Opinion
No. SC14–1831.
06-11-2015
THE FLORIDA BAR, Complainant(s) v. Nicholas Theodore STEFFENS, Respondent(s).
Opinion
The uncontested report of the referee is approved and respondent is suspended from the practice of law for ten days, effective thirty days from the date of this order so that respondent can close out his practice and protect the interests of existing clients. If respondent notifies this Court in writing that he is no longer practicing and does not need the thirty days to protect existing clients, this Court will enter an order making the suspension effective immediately. Respondent shall fully comply with Rule Regulating the Florida Bar 3–5.1(h). In addition, respondent shall accept no new business from the date this order is filed until he is reinstated. Respondent shall provide a fee refund in the amount of $5,000.00 to Brian Fleming and $3,500.00 to Nancy Torres. Respondent is further directed to comply with all other terms and conditions of the report and the consent judgment.
Judgment is entered for The Florida Bar, 651 East Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399–2300, for recovery of costs from Nicholas Theodore Steffens in the amount of $1,396.78, for which sum let execution issue.
LABARGA, C.J., and PARIENTE, LEWIS, QUINCE, CANADY, POLSTON, and PERRY, JJ., concur.