On Thursday, May 1, 2025, the Florida Supreme Court granted a petition for disciplinary revocation filed by James Lawrence Torres, a 64-year-old attorney. The decision allows Torres to seek readmission to the bar after a minimum of five years, subject to full compliance with the rules governing bar admission.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Raymond James Lawrence Torres,” with case number SC2025-0395.
Torres submitted his petition on March 21, 2025, voluntarily requesting disciplinary revocation with leave to apply for readmission, as permitted by Rule 3-7.12 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar. The petition acknowledged pending disciplinary charges related to trust account violations. Specifically, The Florida Bar File Number 2025-30,368 (18B) alleged that a check from Torres’ law office trust account was returned due to insufficient funds, and a preliminary audit by the bar identified significant shortages and violations in required trust accounting records and procedures.
As part of the petition, Torres agreed to several conditions. He committed to reimbursing the Client Security Fund for any claims resulting from his alleged misconduct and to covering the costs incurred by The Florida Bar in his disciplinary cases, amounting to $2,076.47. Torres also agreed to submit to a complete audit of his trust and client fund accounts if requested, while reserving the right to assert evidentiary privileges.
Additionally, he pledged to provide a sworn financial affidavit detailing his personal and professional financial circumstances within 30 days if required by the bar. Torres further agreed to maintain a current mailing address with The Florida Bar for five years following the revocation and to eliminate all indications of his status as an attorney, including on email, social media, and business materials.
The court’s order dismisses all pending disciplinary cases against Torres and requires compliance with rules governing notification and practice restrictions. Disciplinary revocation is tantamount to disbarment.
According to Avvo, Mr. Silverman was a litigation lawyer in Melbourne, Florida. He acquired his law license in Florida in 1985.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
