On Thursday, December 15, 2022, the Supreme Court of Florida disbarred Seminole attorney Christopher Michael Reynolds for failure to distribute settlement funds to clients. The case is entitled “The Florida Bar v. Christopher Michael Reynolds,” with case no. SC22-1659.
The charges cited Florida Bar Rule 4-1.15, 4-1.16, 4-8.4(a), 4-8.4(c), 4-8.4(d), 4-8.4(g), 5-1.1(b), and 5-1.1(e).
The Florida Bar Rule can be found here.
In a Petition dated December 12, 2022, it was stated that the respondent had abandoned his law practice without notice to his clients and without taking reasonable steps to protect their interests. The respondent has ceased all communication with clients and has failed to distribute settlement funds to clients or third parties. Moreover, the respondent had also misappropriated client funds and/or failed to safe keep client property.
The filing states:
“The above facts show that respondent has caused or is likely to cause, immediate and serious harm to clients or the public, and immediate action must be taken to protect respondent’s clients and the public. Therefore, under Rule 3-5.2, the bar respectfully requests this Court issue an order suspending respondent”.
With the facts and petition filed by the Florida Bar, the court decided to suspend the respondent.
The Disposition states:
“The Petition for Emergency Suspension filed pursuant to Rule 3-5.2 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar is approved and it is hereby ordered that Respondent is suspended from the practice of law until further order of this Court.”
Mr. Reynolds’ info can be found on martindale.com. He attended Stetson University College of Law, graduating in 2006. Reynolds practices and is licensed in Seminole, Florida.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
