Florida Bar v. Doherty

We have for review a referee’s report recommending that Respondent Brian Gerard Doherty be found guilty of professional misconduct and disbarred. Doherty has petitioned for review of the report, challenging the referee’s recommendations as to guilt, as well as the recommended sanction. We have jurisdiction. See art. V, § 15, Fla. Const.

The disciplinary case against Doherty arises from ethical violations that occurred during Doherty’s representation of an elderly client to whom he provided both legal and financial investment services. The referee in this matter recommended that Doherty be…