The Florida Bar v. Ana I. Gardiner

We have for review a referee’s report recommending that respondent Ana I. Gardiner be found guilty of professional misconduct in violation of the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar (Bar Rules) and suspended from the practice of law for one year. The Florida Bar filed a notice of its intent to seek review of the referee’s report, challenging the referee’s recommended sanction and urging the Court to disbar Gardiner from the practice of law. We have jurisdiction. See art. V, § 15, Fla. Const. As discussed below, we approve the referee’s findings of fact and recommendations as to guilt. However,…