18th Circuit Professionalism Panel

On July 6, 2023, the Supreme Court of Florida replaced the 2013 Code for Resolving Professionalism Complaints. Specifically, the new code clarifies and enhances the important role of local professionalism panels (LPPs). The LPPs are independent of The Florida Bar and are established for the purpose of resolving referrals of claimed unprofessional conduct by lawyers practicing in the Circuit. (Supreme Court of Florida, No. SC2023-0884).

Here you can find information on the 18th Circuit Professionalism Panel.

FL Supreme Court Ruling

Professionalism Panel Information

The Order also amends the Professional Expectations, one of four sources that make up the standards of professionalism in Florida. The other sources are the Oath of Admission to The Florida Bar, The Florida Bar Creed of Professionalism, and the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar. The Professional Expectations, attached to the Order as Exhibit B, are a “must read” when dealing with professionalism issues.

The Court reaffirms that the informal, peer-to-peer mentoring approach offered by LPPs can materially improve professionalism among Florida lawyers. The LPPs receive, screen, and act on referrals of unprofessional conduct and address them informally, if possible, or refer them to The Florida Bar, if necessary.

Any person may initiate an unprofessional conduct referral against a member of The Florida Bar through the appropriate Judicial Circuit’s LPP. The LPPs procedures and process are as described in Appendix A of the Court’s Order.