On Thursday, February 15, 2024, attorney Douglas MacArthur Bates and The Florida Bar filed a joint petition seeking inactive status due to medical incapacity.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Douglas Macarthur Bates for Placement on Inactive List,” with case no. 2024-50,424 (13B).
The petition, filed with the Supreme Court of Florida, states that Bates has been a member of the Florida Bar since 1973. He resides and practices in Broward County. However, Bates is currently suffering from a medical condition that affects his health and impairs his ability to practice law.
While the specific nature of Bates’ medical issues is not disclosed in the petition, it indicates he has made the Florida Bar aware of his condition. As a result, the Bar is joining Bates in requesting his transfer to inactive status. Under Rule 3-7.13 of the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar, an attorney can be placed on inactive status for incapacity not related to misconduct.
If approved, the petition says Bates will remain on inactive status until his health recovers sufficiently to allow reinstatement. The requirements for reinstatement include medical proof from a doctor that Bates’ condition has improved to the point he can practice without impairments. There is also a possibility Bates could be placed on probation if his reinstatement petition is approved in the future.
Additionally, Bates agrees that being placed on inactive status means eliminating all signs of his attorney status from platforms like social media, business cards, listings, and other networking sites. He acknowledges he can no longer legally hold himself out as a licensed lawyer.
By jointly petitioning the court, Bates and the Florida Bar hope to get him relief from legal duties due to medical incapacity, while still maintaining oversight under the Bar’s rules until he can resume practice.
A ruling is pending from the Florida Supreme Court.
According to avvo.com, Mr. Bates is a personal injury attorney at Lauderdale By The Sea, Florida. He attended the University of Miami School of Law, and he acquired his law license in Florida in 1973.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
