On Thursday, January 22, 2026, the Florida Supreme Court suspended attorney Scott N. Faden from practicing law for three years, effective 30 days from the date of the order. The suspension stems from a Conditional Guilty Plea for Consent Judgment filed by Faden, addressing multiple complaints of misconduct.
The Supreme Court case number is SC2026-0027, consolidating several Florida Bar file numbers ranging from 2020 to 2026. The court approved the conditional guilty plea and consent judgment, outlining specific disciplinary measures. Faden must cease accepting new clients immediately and initiate no new litigation on behalf of existing clients. He is required to provide a copy of the suspension order to all relevant courts, tribunals, administrative agencies, bars, clients, co-counsel, and opposing counsel. Additionally, he must notify all banks and financial institutions where he holds client funds.
Within 30 days of the order, Faden must cease all practice of law in Florida, remove any indications of his status as a Florida Bar member from websites, social media, and other professional materials, withdraw from representing all clients, and wind down all pending matters. He is also prohibited from disbursing any money from trust accounts holding client funds.
The Conditional Guilty Plea details a series of allegations against Faden. In several cases, he allegedly accepted fees for legal services but failed to perform the agreed-upon work or return unused portions of the fees and cost advances. He is also accused of failing to communicate adequately with clients about the status of their cases.
The Florida Bar also alleged that Faden failed to respond to their inquiries regarding multiple grievances.
Before seeking reinstatement, Faden must provide restitution to several clients. The largest amounts are owed to Debra Holz and Michelle Finnegan ($10,000.00 each). The Supreme Court also entered a judgment against Faden for $1,803.32 to cover the costs of the disciplinary proceedings. These costs are not dischargeable in bankruptcy, and Faden will be ineligible to practice law if the cost judgment is not satisfied within 30 days.
The Florida Bar approved the proposed plea. The plea acknowledges mitigating factors, including the absence of a prior disciplinary record and personal health issues, including a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes. Aggravating factors include dishonest or selfish motives, a pattern of misconduct, multiple offenses, vulnerability of the victim, and substantial experience in the practice of law.
According to Avvo, Mr. Faden is a family lawyer in Fort Myers, Florida. He acquired his law license in Florida in 2006.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
