Florida Bar Files Complaint Against Attorney Mark Andrew Fromang for Alleged Fee Violations and Trust Account Irregularities

On January 3, 2024, The Florida Bar filed a complaint against attorney Mark Andrew Fromang, accusing him of violating several rules governing legal practice.

The case is entitled “The Florida Bar v. Mark Andrew Fromag”.

The charges cited Rules Regulating Florida Bar 3-6.1(c), 3-6.1(e), 4-1.4(a), 4-1.4(b), 4-1.5(a), 4-1.5(f)(5), 4-1.7(a), 4-1.15, 5-1.1(a)(1), 5-1.2(b)(2), 5-1.2(b)(3)(C),5-1.2(b)(6)(A,C), 5-1.2(b)(7)(C), 5-1.2(c)(1), and 5-1.2(d)(1)(A).

The Bar contends that contrary to the fee agreement, Fromang’s law firm, Fromang & Finch P.A., demanded approximately 20-25% of the total settlement amount from insurance companies.

In one example cited in the complaint, Fromang purportedly negotiated a settlement in the Puckett case, and despite an existing offer of $75,682.17 from the insurance company, sought and accepted a fee of about 20.7%, totaling $15,682.17. The complaint argues that this fee exceeded what was outlined in the fee agreement and lacked a legal basis.

Additionally, The Florida Bar conducted a compliance audit of Fromang & Finch, P.A.’s attorney trust account, revealing several violations, including commingling funds and failing to maintain proper records.

The complaint also raises concerns about Fromang’s hiring of a disbarred paralegal without timely notifying The Florida Bar, as required by Rule 3-6.1. The paralegal, James Patrick Woods, was reportedly hired in December 2020, but notice of employment and quarterly reports were only submitted to the Bar in February 2022.

In conclusion, the Florida Bar seeks appropriate disciplinary action against Fromang in line with the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar.

The Complaint states:

“WHEREFORE, The Florida Bar prays respondent will be appropriately disciplined in accordance with the provisions of the Rules Regulating The Florida Baras amended.”

According to Avvo, Mr. Fromang is a divorce and separation attorney in Orlando, Florida. He graduated from Nova Southeastern University – Shepard Broad Law Center. He obtained his license in Florida in 1987.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.