Quality legal representation in Florida will soon be tough to find. Recently, the Florida legal aid society lost significant funding. More than half the attorneys were forced to find work elsewhere. This means that low income representation offered pro bono will most likely be non-existent in the near future. Some fear that due process for citizens about to lose their homes is in jeopardy, because civil court doesn’t guarantee the right to an attorney as in criminal cases.
If that isn’t enough, some 27 attorneys not affiliated with the legal aid society were heavily disciplined this month – some even lost their right to practice law. The attorneys were found guilty of a diverse range of offenses. Some received payment for services they did not provide their clients. Others did not appropriately respond to subpoenas. Those that were not disbarred were publicly reprimanded, fined, suspended, or forced to attend classes.
Disciplinary Actions Hit Home
Lawyers from all over Florida and other southern states were disciplined, but one was from Orlando. Monica Santiago was suspended for 10 days and ordered to attend ethics school. She is charged with failing to diligently represent her clients. In one instance, she was responsible for filing a divorce that she neglected to file. Other offenses include failing to notify all of her clients that her office was moving. She forced two others to seek new legal representation.
Process Servers Are An Easy Solution
Process servers offer services to remove the large burden of issuing and carrying out subpoenas for attorneys and other interested entities. They can also serve summons, complaints, petitions, motions, and foreclosure and eviction notices.
If you or someone you know are preparing to issue an individual or commercial entity a subpoena, motion, petition, etc. – don’t hesitate to contact a process server to ensure compliance with the law.
