Florida Bar v. Shankman

We have for review a referee’s report regarding alleged ethical breaches by David S. Shankman. We have jurisdiction. See art. V, § 15, Fla. Const.

I. FACTS

The Florida Bar filed a complaint against attorney David S. Shankman, primarily alleging misconduct in connection with Shankman’s dealings with his former law firm. After the final hearing, the referee issued a report which is summarized below.

In March 1997, Shankman left his position as an associate at an existing law firm in order to join three other attorneys to form their own firm, Newman, LeVine, Metzler, and Shankman, P.A. (the Newman…