Opinion
SC22-392
04-07-2022
THE FLORIDA BAR Complainant(s) v. GIAN C. RATNAPALA, Respondent(s)
Lower Tribunal No(s).: 2021-50, 017 (7A)
The conditional guilty plea and consent judgment for discipline are approved and respondent is suspended from the practice of law for forty-five 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). Respondent shall also fully comply with Rule Regulating the Florida Bar 3-6.1, if applicable. In addition, respondent shall accept no new business from the date this order is filed until he is reinstated. Respondent shall comply with all other terms and conditions of the consent judgment.
Respondent is further directed to attend The Florida Bar's Trust Accounting Workshop under the terms and conditions set forth in the consent judgment.
Upon reinstatement, respondent shall be placed on probation for two years under the terms and conditions set forth in the consent judgment. 1
Judgment is entered for The Florida Bar, 651 East Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2300, for recovery of costs from Gian C. Ratnapala in the amount of $3, 773.20, for which sum let execution issue.
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 suspension.
CANADY, C. J, and POLSTON, LABARGA, LAWSON, MUÑIZ, COURIEL, and GROSSHANS, JJ, concur 2