Florida Supreme Court Accepts Attorney Shawn Michael Berry’s Petition for Disciplinary Revocation

The Supreme Court of Florida granted Attorney Shawn Michael Berry’s petition for disciplinary revocation on December 14, 2023. Mr. Berry submitted the petition to the court seeking to voluntarily surrender his law license with the ability to reapply for admission after five years.

The case is entitled “In the Matter of Shawn Michael Berry,” with case no. SC2023-1506.

In his petition, Mr. Berry acknowledged five pending disciplinary cases against him initiated by The Florida Bar. These cases involved allegations of failing to timely record home equity loan documents, misusing escrow funds from a real estate closing, and two arrest incidents from May and August 2023. Mr. Berry did not dispute the allegations but contended that revocation would not adversely affect the public interest or integrity of the legal system.

As part of his petition, Mr. Berry agreed to reimburse the Client Security Fund for any claims paid out due to his misconduct. He also agreed to pay $5,094.84 to The Florida Bar to cover costs associated with the disciplinary proceedings. If requested, Mr. Berry stated he would submit to an audit of any trust accounts and provide a financial affidavit outlining his personal and professional finances.

In its December 14 order, the Supreme Court granted the disciplinary revocation. The order specifies that revocation is equivalent to disbarment under the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar. The court has given Mr. Berry 30 days to close out his practice to protect existing clients.

The Disposition states:

“The uncontested petition for disciplinary revocation, as provided by Rule 3-7.12, Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, with leave to seek readmission after five years, is granted subject to the continuing jurisdiction of this Court… Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment.”

According to avvo.com, Mr, Berry was a real estate attorney in Orlando, Florida. He attended the Florida Coastal School of Law, graduating in 2009. He acquired his law license in Florida in the same year.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.