Bar report: Florida Supreme Court disciplines five attorneys statewide, disbarring one

The Florida Supreme Court recently disciplined five attorneys — suspending two, imposing an emergency suspension on one, disbarring one and revoking the license of one. Court orders are not final until the time expires for the disciplined attorney to file a rehearing motion.

The attorneys represent law practices from across the state. Disbarred lawyers may not reapply for admission for five years and are required to undergo a rigorous background check, as well as retake the Bar exam. Attorneys suspended for 91 days and longer must demonstrate that they have been rehabilitated in order to regain their law licenses.

Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment.

Clermont

Rasheed Karim Allen-Dawson, disbarred effective immediately following an Aug. 1 court order. After being suspended from practice by order of the Supreme Court of Florida, Allen-Dawson failed to provide notice of his suspension to all clients and courts as required. Allen-Dawson, who was admitted to practice in 2011, also continued engaging in the practice of law after the effective date of his suspension in violation of the order of the high court. As a result, Allen-Dawson was held in contempt and disbarred, effective immediately due to his existing suspension.

Clearwater

Charles Edwin Lykes Jr., suspended until further order of the Court effective 30 days following a July 31 court order. Admitted to practice in 1980, Lykes was held in contempt by the court and suspended for his failure to respond to inquiries from The Florida Bar. The Bar filed its petition for contempt and order to show cause on May 17, 2024, and the Florida Supreme Court ordered Lykes to respond by June 4, 2024. Lykes failed to file a response. Lykes is to remain suspended until he has fully responded in writing to the official Bar inquiries, and until further order of the court.

Miami

Willishia Brenay Plant, suspended for 180 days; and upon reinstatement placed on probation for two years, effective 30 days following an Aug. 8 court order. Plant, admitted to practice in 2019, was not diligent and failed to communicate adequately with her client in two separate civil cases. Plant misrepresented to one complainant that a landlord-tenant lawsuit was filed when it was not. She also misrepresented to the Bar that she administered free legal services to the complainant when she had attempted to file a charging lien. Plant falsely testified under oath to the court during the final hearing. The referee noted Plant’s lack of candor during cross-examination.

New Smyrna Beach

Larry Edward Powers Jr., emergency suspended until further order of the Supreme Court of Florida. Powers shall accept no new clients from the date of an Aug. 14 court order and shall cease representing any clients after 30 days of the court’s order. Admitted to practice in 1987, Powers has caused, or is likely to cause, immediate and serious harm to clients or the public by misappropriating client funds and committing fundamental trust account violations.

Jacksonville

Shaquandra Arita Woods, disciplinary revocation with leave to reapply for readmission effective 30 days following an Aug. 22 court order. On Feb. 2, 2022, Woods was indicted on four counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and other charges arising from her role in a wide-ranging COVID-19 relief fraud scheme. On December 8, 2023, Woods, who was admitted to practice in 2012, was found guilty by a federal jury of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The conviction is currently on appeal.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida Supreme Court disciplines 5 attorneys statewide, disbarring 1