On Thursday, December 14, 2023, the Supreme Court of Florida suspended attorney Nazmul Islam from practicing law for one year after approving his conditional guilty plea in a disciplinary case.
The case is entitled “The Florida Bar v. Nazmul Islam,” with case no. SC2023-1670
The charges cited Rules Regulating the Florida Bar 3-4.3, 4-1.1, 4-1.2(a), 4-1.3, 4-1.4(a), 4-1.4(b), and 4-8.4(c).
According to court documents, Islam filed a Conditional Guilty Plea for Consent Judgment on December 4, 2023, admitting misconduct in his representation of a client in an immigration matter. In the plea, Islam acknowledged failing to provide competent representation, failing to adequately communicate with his client, and failing to diligently handle the case. He also admitted to engaging in dishonest conduct surrounding the representation.
Specifically, Islam realized before a final hearing in August 2018 that his client did not have all the necessary documentation for his asylum application. Rather than seeking a continuance, Islam instructed his client to miss the hearing. When asked by the judge where his client was, Islam untruthfully said he did not know. This resulted in an order of removal being issued against the client. Islam then failed to inform his client of the removal order for over a year.
The Conditional Guilty Plea outlined a one-year suspension, payment of costs, and other terms of discipline. On December 14, 2023, the Supreme Court of Florida approved the plea and issued an order formally suspending Islam for one year, effective in 30 days. This will allow Islam to close out his practice and protect existing clients.
As part of the discipline, Islam must comply with rules regarding suspended attorneys, may accept no new clients, and must pay $2,158.40 in costs. He had argued several factors in mitigation such as no prior discipline and lack of selfish motive, but the court found factors like the client’s vulnerable status and Islam’s substantial experience as aggravating circumstances.
According to avvo.com, Mr. Islam is an immigration attorney in Palm City, Florida. He acquired his law license in Florida in 2011.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
