On Thursday, August 14, 2025, The Florida Bar filed a petition to approve a Conditional Guilty Plea for Consent Judgment against attorney Kendrick James Blackwell. This petition seeks a 30-day suspension from his legal practice, a consequence stemming from Blackwell’s admission of misconduct in his representation of a client during divorce proceedings.
The case is entitled “The Florida Bar v. Kendrick James Blackwell,” with case no. 2023-10,588(6E).
This disciplinary action follows a finding of probable cause by the Sixth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee, which investigated allegations against Blackwell. The case revolves around Blackwell’s involvement in a divorce case where he represented the former husband. During the proceedings, the court issued a temporary injunction to prevent the dissipation of marital assets. The injunction was granted on July 13, 2022, and prohibited the client from selling or transferring any marital property.
However, while the divorce case was ongoing, Blackwell’s client fled to Egypt, where he allegedly transferred some marital assets. Although there is no evidence suggesting that Blackwell assisted in his client’s flight, the attorney became aware of the client’s intentions to sell certain properties, which may have been considered marital assets. Despite the court’s injunction, Blackwell signed quitclaim deeds transferring these properties to the business partner of his client.
Blackwell admitted that signing these deeds violated the court’s order and acknowledged that he should have informed opposing counsel about the existence of the properties before executing the deeds. His actions have been characterized as misguided, as he expressed a sincere intention to protect the marital estate.
In addition to the suspension, Blackwell has committed to attending an ethics school within six months of the Supreme Court’s approval of the consent judgment. He is also required to pay disciplinary costs amounting to $1,250, which are due within 30 days of the court’s order.
The Florida Bar has indicated that the proposed plea has been approved under the rules governing the organization. The petition filed by the Bar requests that the Court accept the conditional guilty plea, impose the agreed-upon discipline, and award the associated costs.
According to Avvo.com, Mr. Blackwell is a personal injury attorney in Saint Petersburg, Florida. He attended the Stetson University College of Law, graduating in 1994. He acquired his law license in Florida in 1995.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
