On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, The Florida Bar filed a petition with the Supreme Court of Florida seeking approval of a Conditional Guilty Plea for Consent Judgment entered into with attorney Dawn M. Aufenanger.
The agreement, detailed in documents filed with the court, outlines a proposed disciplinary action against Aufenanger stemming from multiple Florida Bar file numbers: 2022-50,129(17B), 2023-50,284(17B), 2023-50,663(17B), 2023-50,150(17B), 2023-50,268(17B), 2023-50,676(17B), 2023-50,711(17B), and 2025-50,524(17B).
The proposed disciplinary measures include a six-month suspension from the practice of law, effective 30 days from the date of the Supreme Court’s order approving the consent judgment. This delay is intended to allow Aufenanger to close her practice and safeguard the interests of her existing clients.
Upon the court’s order, Aufenanger is expected to immediately cease accepting new clients, initiating new litigation, and provide copies of the suspension order to all relevant parties, including courts, bars, clients, co-counsel, opposing counsel, banks, and financial institutions holding client funds. Within 30 days of the order, she must cease all practice of law in Florida, remove all indications of her status as a Florida Bar member, withdraw from client representation, and cease all transactions from trust accounts related to legal representation.
Furthermore, Aufenanger is required to participate in The Florida Bar’s Fee Arbitration Program with multiple complaining witnesses: Lydia Norris, Marilu Sanchez, Tim Monaco, Mayvelin Riveron, Ambar Villafuerte, Johanne Besselle, and Christine Dittrich. These arbitrations stem from separate Florida Bar complaints. Aufenanger is bound by the arbitrator’s decisions and must make full payments within 30 days of any award becoming final.
In addition to the fee arbitrations, Aufenanger must pay $1,800 in restitution to Cynthia Martin within 90 days of the court’s order. This restitution relates to legal fees from Florida Bar File No.2023-50,284(17B). The partial refunds previously paid to Martin will not reduce the restitution amount. Verifiable proof of payment must be provided to The Florida Bar.
The Conditional Guilty Plea outlines the allegations against Aufenanger in each of the Florida Bar files. These include failures in diligence, communication, declining or terminating representation, and protecting client interests. The allegations also mention instances of failing to file petitions, failing to progress legal matters, and not responding to client requests.
In mitigation, Aufenanger cites the absence of prior disciplinary history, absence of dishonest or selfish motive, personal problems (including medical challenges and caring for a child with medical needs), full disclosure to the bar, and remorse. Aggravating factors include substantial experience in the practice of law.
A stipulation to entry of the agreed order, also filed with the court, confirms Aufenanger’s agreement to the terms and conditions of the consent judgment. The Florida Bar seeks to recover costs of $1,250.00 from Aufenanger, due within 30 days of the court order.
According to Avvo, Ms. Aufenanger is an intellectual property Lawyer in Coral Springs, FL. She acquired her law license in Florida in 2003.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
