On Thursday, February 12, 2026, the Florida Supreme Court suspended attorney Joseph Ronald Denman from practicing law for 60 days, effective 30 days from the date of the order. The suspension stems from a consent judgment for disciplinary reasons, as detailed in case number SC2025-0426.
The court order mandates that Denman must cease accepting new clients immediately. He is also prohibited from initiating new litigation on behalf of existing clients from the date of the order. Furthermore, Denman is required to provide a copy of the suspension order to all courts, tribunals, and adjudicative agencies where he serves as counsel of record, including all state, federal, and administrative bars of which he is a member.
Within 30 days of the court’s order, Denman must cease all practice of law in Florida. He is also required to eliminate any indication of his status as a Florida Bar member or lawyer from websites, social media, telephone listings, stationery, checks, business cards, office signs, and email addresses. Denman must also wind down all pending legal matters and cease withdrawing or disbursing funds from any trust accounts holding client or third-party funds related to legal representation. The order also restricts him from transferring ownership of any real or personal property purchased with client or third-party funds.
Denman is further obligated to provide the Florida Bar’s headquarters in Tallahassee with an affidavit listing all entities and individuals notified of the suspension order.
In addition to the suspension and associated restrictions, Denman is required to attend a Professionalism Workshop scheduled by the Florida Bar within six months of the order’s date. He must also pay the workshop fees, totaling $750.00, before attending.
The Supreme Court also entered a judgment against Denman for $1,683.50 to cover costs incurred by The Florida Bar. Failure to satisfy this judgment within 30 days may result in further penalties, including being deemed delinquent and ineligible to practice law, unless the Florida Bar Board of Governors defers payment.
The disciplinary proceedings against Denman involved a case where he entered into an attorney-client relationship with Karilyn Montanti, despite a court order adjudicating her to be incapacitated.
A referee, Hon. Brian Edward Gnage, was appointed to oversee the proceedings. The referee found Denman guilty of violating several Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, including misconduct, conflict of interest, and filing meritless claims.
The referee considered Denman’s prior disciplinary record, which included a 30-day suspension in 2016 for a conflict of interest. Aggravating factors in the current case included multiple offenses, vulnerability of the victim, and Denman’s substantial experience in law practice. Mitigating factors included the absence of dishonest or selfish motives, full disclosure to the bar, and remorse.
According to Avvo, Mr. Denman is a trusts lawyer in Tampa, Florida. He acquired his law license in Florida in 1990.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
