On Thursday, July 10, 2025, the Florida Supreme Court approved a conditional guilty plea and consent judgment for discipline regarding attorney Elliot Ari Kozolchyk. This decision followed disciplinary proceedings initiated by The Florida Bar, which filed a complaint against Kozolchyk on November 26, 2024. The court’s order formalizes a public reprimand and outlines specific conditions that Kozolchyk must adhere to over the next year.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Elliot Ari Kozolchyk,” with case number SC2024-1691.
The Supreme Court designated the Chief Judge of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit to appoint a referee for the case, leading to the appointment of Honorable Glenn Kelley. Throughout the proceedings, Kozolchyk was represented by attorney David Bill Rothman, while The Florida Bar was represented by Bar Counsel Tracy Sorcek.
As part of the ruling, Kozolchyk is required to attend a Professionalism Workshop within six months of the court’s approval. He must also pay associated fees totaling $750 before attending the workshop. Additionally, he faces the obligation to pay the disciplinary costs incurred in the matter, which total $1,539.75.
Kozolchyk will be placed on probation for one year, during which he must comply with several stipulations. These include continuing to cooperate with the Ad Hoc Committee of the Southern District of Florida, where he had previously faced scrutiny over his handling of Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) cases. He is required to submit quarterly reports to The Florida Bar, detailing his compliance with the stipulated conditions.
The findings of the referee revealed that Kozolchyk had been referred to the Ad Hoc Committee in 2019 by two federal judges due to concerns about his practice, particularly regarding his failure to expedite client cases. The referral indicated that Kozolchyk often refused to settle his attorney’s fees in line with the value of the underlying claims, leading to delays and increased costs.
Over the years, Kozolchyk cooperated with the Ad Hoc Committee’s investigation, complying with recommendations and reporting requirements. In March 2025, he settled with the committee, receiving a public reprimand and agreeing to conditions aimed at improving his practice.
The referee’s report noted that the resolution of the Florida Bar case is a reciprocal discipline action, based solely on the facts and sanctions imposed by the Federal Court Ad Hoc Committee. The referee highlighted Kozolchyk’s ongoing cooperation and personal development throughout the lengthy process, including his recent marriage and the birth of his first child.
In terms of violations, the referee recommended that Kozolchyk be found guilty of several infractions under the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, including failure to expedite litigation and candor toward the tribunal. The report emphasized that a public reprimand would be appropriate given the circumstances.
According to Avvo, Mr. Kozolchyk is an employment and labor lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He acquired his law license in Florida in 2009.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
