On Friday, June 28, 2024, The Florida Bar filed a formal complaint against attorney Frank T. Blainey with the Supreme Court of Florida, alleging multiple violations of rules of professional conduct related to separate client matters.
The case is entitled “The Florida Bar v. Frank T. Blainey,” with case no. 2020-10,534(6B),2021-10,111(6B), 2021-10,406(6B), and 2021-10,441 (6B).
The charges cited Rules Regulating the Florida Bar 4-1.1, 4-1.2(a), 4-1.3, 4-1.4(a), 4-1.4(b), 4-3.2, 4-8.4(a)(c), 4-8.4(d) 3-4.3, and 4-5.5(b).
The complaint contains four counts of alleged violations related to Blainey’s representation of four different clients. Count I stems from a Chapter 13 bankruptcy case in 2016 where Blainey was retained by Stacy Brother for $1,500. It is alleged that Blainey failed to attend required hearings or provide necessary documents, resulting in the case being dismissed against the client’s wishes.
Count II involves Blainey’s representation of Schneider Mathurin in a 2019 criminal case. The complaint claims Blainey failed to maintain regular communication with the incarcerated client and did not provide the requested discovery materials. Substitute counsel was approved by the court in June 2020.
Count III alleges Blainey neglected to properly communicate with client Mark Sheddan regarding a post-divorce order for the client to pay the opposing attorney’s fees. This allegedly led to a motion for contempt being filed against the client that was later denied.
The final count claims that in January 2021, Blainey was suspended from practice for 91 days but failed to withdraw from representing a client in an active criminal case or notify the court of his suspension. It is alleged he inappropriately appeared via video and submitted documents on the client’s behalf while suspended.
Across the four counts, Blainey is accused of violating various rules of professional conduct covering competence, diligence, communication, expediting litigation, misconduct, and the unlicensed practice of law. If found guilty, he could face disciplinary action from the Florida Supreme Court.
The complaint states:
“WHEREFORE, The Florida Bar prays respondent will be appropriately disciplined in accordance with the provisions of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar as amended.”
According to avvo.com, Mr. Blainey is an attorney in Palm Harbor, Florida. He attended the University of Missouri.Kansas City School of Law. He acquired his law license in Florida in 2006.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
