The Florida Bar v. Hines

We have for review a referee’s report recommending that respondent, Shari Nicole Hines, be found not guilty of professional misconduct. The Bar seeks review and asserts that Hines should be subject to a rehabilitative suspension. We have jurisdiction. See art. V, § 15, Fla. Const.

As more fully explained below, we disapprove the referee’s recommendation that Hines be found not guilty of violating Rule Regulating the Florida Bar 4-5.3(b), governing a lawyer’s responsibilities with respect to nonlawyers associated with a lawyer. That rule provides that the lawyer must make reasonable efforts to…