On Thursday, March 30, 2023, attorney Alex Barnett filed a request for an extension of time to comply with the rules regulating the Florida bar before the Supreme Court of Florida. The case is entitled “The Florida Bar v. Alex S. Barnett,” with case no. SC23-273.

On February 2, 2023, the Florida Bar filed a petition for emergency suspension seeking emergency relief before the Supreme Court of Florida. This is in relation to the respondent’s misconduct wherein he allegedly made threats or degrading postings on social media and other communications, while a disciplinary matter against him is pending related to a misdemeanor charge against him for his indirect contempt in Palm Beach County.

The filing states:

“The fact that while the misdemeanor charge was pending, on or about November 1 4, 2022, Judge Shepherd received an email from the respondent stating: “ Dear judge Shepherd, don’t fuck with public defenders constitutional rights you fucking evil cunt. I’m dropping a JQC complaint on your corrupt ass for this unlawful contempt bullshit tomorrow With All The Hate And Anger In My Body, Alexander Solomon Barnett, ESQUIRE.”

The filing continues:

“‘I’ll tweet whatever the fuck I want I don’t give a fuck The Florida courts are a corrupt racist unethical inhumane threat to the people who live there Floridas judiciary is a predator You think I give half a fuck about what sanctions are recommended? WRONG! Any disciplinary action against me whatsoever will be appealed out of Florida judicial hellhole anyway so like I said. RECOMMEND PERMANENT DISBARMENT AND STOP PRETENDING TO CARE ABOUT ME JUDGE CARROL Wtf is this bullshit status conference set for March 7? I DON’T FUCKING CARE TO JUDGE CARROL! FIND WHATEVER YOU WANT AND RECOMMEND WHATEVER YOU WANT! “1 want to file a motion to put a towel on my head and blow up the courthouse” is a constitutionally protected FUCKING statement.”

On February 28, 2023, the Supreme Court of Florida approved the petition for emergency suspension filed by the Florida Bar. In the said order, the respondent was barred from accepting new clients and initiating any litigation on behalf of his clients. Moreover, the respondent was barred to transfer any ownership of any real or personal property purchased in whole or in part with funds of clients or third parties in connection with legal representation.

The filing further states:

“The referee appointed in these proceedings is hereby authorized to determine entitlement to funds in any trust accounts frozen as a result of an order entered in this matter; Turn over to any successor the complete financial records of any estate, guardianship, or trust in which Respondent served as a fiduciary on the successor’s appointment; Cease holding yourself out as a Florida Bar member or lawyer and eliminate all indicia of Respondent’s status as a Florida Bar member or lawyer on websites, email, social media, telephone listings, stationery, checks, business cards, office signs, email address, and any other indicia of Respondent’s status as a Florida Bar member or lawyer.”

Following the grant of this petition for suspension, on March 17, 2023, the Circuit Court, Second Judicial Circuit in and for Leon County Florida appointed Hon. Ronald W. Flury to work on the matter with the respondent.

The filing additionally notes:

“The Honorable Ronald W. Flury, as the referee is hereby vested with all and singular the powers and prerogatives conferred by the Constitution, laws of the State of Florida, and the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar, concerning a referee for the Supreme Court of Florida in this matter.”

In relation to this, on March 30, 2023, the respondent requested the court to grant an extension of time of 30 days from the filing of his request so he can submit the required affidavit.

Mr. Barnett is licensed in Florida, with license no. 1013532. His info can be found on floridabar.org.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.