On Thursday, May 29, the Florida Supreme Court approved a conditional guilty plea and consent judgment for attorney Chelsea Elizabeth Haritan, suspending her from the practice of law for 91 days. This disciplinary action follows findings of misconduct related to two separate cases in which Haritan represented clients.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Chelsea Elizabeth Haritan,” with case number SC2025-0439.
The Florida Bar filed a complaint against Haritan on March 28, 2025, leading to a series of proceedings overseen by Referee Hon. Sherri L. Collins. According to the referee’ amended report, Haritan failed to fulfill her professional responsibilities in multiple instances, which resulted in sanctions imposed by the courts.
In one notable case, Haritan represented a plaintiff in Amarco Restoration v. American Coastal Insurance Co. The court found her in violation of several procedural requirements, including failing to confer with opposing counsel and not appearing for scheduled depositions. As a result, she was sanctioned, ordered to pay $47,912.13 in fees and costs, and ultimately faced contempt proceedings when she failed to respond to a bar grievance.
In a second case, Florida Services Team, LLC v. Olympus Insurance Co., Haritan was involved in a dispute where the insurance company sought summary judgment. The court determined that there was “no factual basis” for the lawsuit and found that Haritan had also failed to appear at necessary hearings and comply with procedural requirements. This led to an additional sanction of $6,500 awarded for attorney’s fees.
In light of these findings, the Referee recommended that Haritan be found guilty of violating multiple rules regulating the Florida Bar, including those pertaining to competence, diligence, and fairness to opposing parties.
The Supreme Court’s judgment also mandates that Haritan must cease all legal practice in Florida and withdraw from all client representations. She is required to inform various parties—including clients, co-counsel, and financial institutions—of her suspension.
Additionally, Haritan must provide an affidavit to The Florida Bar’s headquarters within 30 days, detailing all notifications made regarding her suspension. Failure to comply with these directives could further affect her ability to practice law.
The court’s ruling also includes a financial component, with Haritan ordered to pay disciplinary costs amounting to $1,250. This sum is not dischargeable in any future proceedings, including bankruptcy. The decision is not final until the time to file a motion for rehearing expires.
This suspension adds to Haritan’s previous disciplinary history, which includes a prior suspension issued by the Supreme Court for failing to respond to investigative inquiries from The Florida Bar.
According to Avvo, Ms. Haritan is an insurance lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL. She acquired her law license in Florida in 2012.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
