Florida Bar Files Formal Complaint Against Attorney Najah Nzinga Adams for Alleged Rules Violations During Paternity Case Representation

On Friday, February 16, 2024, The Florida Bar filed a formal complaint against attorney Najah Nzinga Adams with the Supreme Court of Florida. The complaint alleges that Adams violated several Rules Regulating The Florida Bar during her representation of client Charles Brace in a paternity case.

The case is entitled “The Florida Bar v. Najah Nzinga Adams,” with case number 2023-00,096(8B).

The charges cited Rules Regulating the Florida Bar 4-1.3, 4-1.4, 4-1.5, 4-3.2 and 4-8.4(g).

According to the complaint, Brace hired and paid Adams $3,750 in March 2022 to file a petition for paternity. However, Adams failed to communicate regularly with Brace and did not file the petition for over 5 months.

During that time, Brace stated he had difficulty contacting Adams, and many of his messages and calls went unanswered. When Brace did manage to speak to Adams, she provided excuses for the delays and missed deadlines but did not take action. Frustrated with the lack of progress, Brace filed the paternity petition himself in August 2022.

The complaint lists violations of rules related to diligence, communication, fees, expediting litigation, and failing to respond to official bar inquiries. It notes Adams never replied to any letters from The Florida Bar investigating the client’s complaint.

Separately, Brace sued Adams for a civil suit in small claims court. In July 2023, the court sided with Brace and ordered Adams to return all fees paid as well as pay additional damages.

If the allegations are proven true, Adams faces potential discipline from the Supreme Court of Florida, which oversees attorney conduct and penalties. She has been notified of the complaint and allegations but has so far refused to cooperate with the bar’s investigation. A trial date is still to be set to determine the facts of the case and any disciplinary actions warranted.

The Petition 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, Ms. Adams is a business attorney in Gainesville, Florida. She attended the University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law, graduating in 2005. She acquired her law license in Florida in 2008.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.