Opinion
Case No. SC05-1947.
February 14, 2006.
Lower Tribunal No. 2006-70,297(11L-MRS).
The petition for disciplinary resignation, as provided by Rule 3-7.12, Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, without leave to seek readmission, is granted subject to the continuing jurisdiction of this Court. See Florida Bar v. Ross, 732 So. 2d 1037, 1040-42 (Fla. 1998). Disciplinary resignation is tantamount to disbarment. Florida Bar v. Hale, 762 So. 2d 515 (Fla. 2000). The disciplinary resignation shall be effective thirty (30) 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 (30) days to protect existing clients, this Court will enter an order making the resignation effective immediately. Respondent shall accept no new business from the date this order is filed.
After consideration of the respondent's "Objection to The Florida Bar's Costs" and The Florida Bar's response, the Court directs that each party shall bear its own costs. See R. Regulating Fla. Bar 3-7.6(q) (providing that the Bar may be awarded costs when it is successful, in whole or in part).
Not final until time expires to file motion for rehearing, and if filed, determined. The filing of a motion for rehearing shall not alter the effective date of this resignation.
PARIENTE, C.J., and WELLS, ANSTEAD, LEWIS, QUINCE, CANTERO, and BELL, JJ., concur.