Opinion
No. SC12–393.
09-02-2015
THE FLORIDA BAR, Complainant(s) v. Robert Joseph RATINER, Respondent(s).
Opinion
After considering the report of the referee and the briefs filed by the parties, the report of the referee is approved and respondent is hereby suspended from the practice of law for three years, 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 by order of this Court. Respondent is further directed to comply with all other terms and conditions of the report.
Judgment is entered for The Florida Bar, 651 East Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399–2300, for recovery of costs from Robert Joseph Ratiner in the amount of $7,207.80, for which sum let execution issue.
The filing of a motion for rehearing shall not alter the effective date of this suspension.
LABARGA, C.J., and PARIENTE, QUINCE, CANADY, POLSTON, and PERRY, JJ., concur.
LEWIS, J., dissents.