On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the Florida Supreme Court issued a ruling holding attorney Joshua Mark Silverman in contempt for failing to respond promptly to an inquiry from The Florida Bar. The court publicly reprimanded Silverman and ordered him to pay $1,250 in costs to The Florida Bar.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Joshua Mark Silverman,” with case number SC2025-0277.
The case stemmed from a petition filed by The Florida Bar alleging that Silverman did not respond to an official inquiry. The court had previously issued an Order to Show Cause, directing Silverman to explain by a specified date why he should not be held in contempt and suspended until he complied fully with the inquiry.
According to court documents, Silverman eventually provided a complete response to The Florida Bar, but the submission was untimely. The court emphasized the importance of attorneys responding fully and promptly to inquiries and subpoenas from The Florida Bar, leading to the contempt ruling and public reprimand.
The sequence of events began on October 17, 2024, when The Florida Bar sent Silverman a letter requesting a response to a complaint by November 1, 2024. The letter was mailed to his recorded address at 300 E University Ave, Suite 240, Gainesville, Florida. Silverman did not respond. A reminder letter was sent on November 15, 2024, giving him until November 25, 2024, to reply, but he again failed to respond. On January 6, 2025, another letter was sent, requiring a response by January 15, 2025. No reply was received. On January 14, 2025, The Florida Bar sent a Notice of Investigating Member, instructing Silverman to contact the assigned investigator by January 24, 2025. He did not comply.
On January 27, 2025, The Florida Bar notified Silverman that the Eighth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee “B” would hold a hearing on February 11, 2025, to address his non-compliance. Silverman did not respond to this notice. On February 26, 2025, the Grievance Committee found that Silverman’s failure to respond was willful and without good cause, recommending that The Florida Bar file a Petition for Contempt with the Supreme Court.
According to Avvo, Mr. Silverman is a divorce and separation lawyer in Gainesville, Florida. He acquired his law license in Florida in 2001.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
