On Friday, August 22, 2025, the Florida Bar filed a petition requesting the Supreme Court of Florida to approve a Conditional Guilty Plea for Consent Judgment involving attorney Thomas F. Rieger, who faces allegations of misconduct related to his handling of a client’s case.
The case is entitled “The Florida Bar v. Thomas F. Rieger,” with case no. 2022-10,214(20B).
The allegations against Rieger stem from his representation of B&W Paving Contractors of Southwest Florida in a lawsuit against Preferred Materials, Inc. Rieger failed to respond adequately to discovery requests issued by the opposing party, leading to a motion to compel that was granted by the court. Although he filed responses on the same day the motion was granted, he did not provide the requested documents to the opposing counsel at that time.
The situation escalated when Preferred Materials contended that Rieger’s responses were incomplete. The court subsequently issued further orders compelling Rieger to provide complete responses. The court also imposed monetary sanctions against B&W for the discovery violations. Rieger stated that his client was hospitalized due to COVID-19 around this time, which hindered his ability to communicate effectively.
Ultimately, Rieger’s noncompliance with discovery orders led to Preferred Materials seeking to strike B&W’s pleadings. Before a hearing on this motion, Rieger filed a notice of voluntary dismissal without prejudice.
In May 2021, B&W, through new counsel, initiated a new lawsuit against Preferred Materials. During a hearing on October 7, 2021, Rieger admitted that he had not informed B&W about the monetary sanctions imposed due to the earlier discovery violations. He also acknowledged that he had not obtained permission from B&W to dismiss the previous case.
Rieger’s actions have been found to violate several rules of professional conduct, including those about diligence, communication, and fairness to opposing counsel. He has been cited for misconduct prejudicial to the administration of justice, among other violations.
In light of the findings, the proposed disciplinary measures for Rieger include a public reprimand and the payment of disciplinary costs amounting to $1,250.
The Florida Bar is seeking approval of the Conditional Guilty Plea and the imposition of the proposed discipline, as well as reimbursement of the associated costs.
According to Avvo.com, Mr. Rieger is a litigation attorney in Naples, Florida. He attended Hofstra University School of Law, graduating in 1994. He acquired his law license in Florida in 1995.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
