News Summary
In Florida, five attorneys from the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area are facing disciplinary actions for professional misconduct, including misappropriation of funds and ethical violations. Notable cases include Xenia Hernandez’s disbarment and Elliot Kozolchyk’s reprimand. Other attorneys, such as Alexa Martinez and Brad Schandler, face suspensions or revocation for serious ethical breaches. These actions highlight ongoing concerns regarding financial management and integrity within the legal profession in Florida, emphasizing the importance of adherence to ethical standards.
Florida – In a significant development within the legal community, five attorneys from the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area are facing disciplinary actions for various forms of professional misconduct, including misappropriation of funds and violations of ethical standards. These actions underscore ongoing concerns about financial management and integrity among legal professionals in the region.
The most notable case involves Xenia Hernandez, who has been accused of misappropriating funds from her personal injury law firm’s trust account, with amounts ranging from $169,000 to $381,000. Rather than contest the allegations, Hernandez opted for disciplinary revocation, which will lead to her disbarment for a period of five years. However, she is eligible to apply for readmission on May 27, 2030. In her statement, Hernandez acknowledged negligence in her management of trust account reports and has engaged a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to assist with forensic accounting services to rectify her financial oversight.
Elliot Kozolchyk received a public reprimand following his referral to the Ad Hoc Committee, where he faced allegations of delaying his clients’ cases to increase attorney fees. His cooperation during the investigation, along with signs of personal and professional growth, influenced the committee’s decision to impose a lenient punishment.
Alexa Martinez, a former attorney, was suspended for 90 days after being found guilty of spoliating evidence. Her conduct came to light when she returned an empty USB drive to her previous employer, which had contained critical case materials. The disciplinary action reflects the severity with which the bar views such ethical violations.
Another attorney, Brad Schandler, has been subjected to an investigation concerning accusations of unethical foreclosure sales. Rather than contest the charges, Schandler requested disciplinary revocation, indicating a choice to step away from practicing law rather than fight the allegations.
Bruce Warner, on the other hand, was suspended for failing to file essential court pleadings on behalf of a client involved in a child custody case. Warner has completed his 10-day suspension and is now eligible to continue practicing law.
The Florida Bar’s disciplinary list includes attorneys whose cases result in punitive actions approved by the state Supreme Court. This recent wave of disciplinary measures highlights the pressing issues of financial mismanagement and ethical breaches among attorneys in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area. These cases serve as a reminder of the accountability mechanisms in place to uphold the integrity of the legal profession.
Law firms and individual attorneys in Florida are being encouraged to adhere to strict ethical standards and maintain transparent financial practices to avoid similar punitive consequences. The Florida Bar continues to monitor the behavior of legal practitioners to ensure that clients receive the honest representation they deserve.
As these cases unfold, they further illuminate the complexities and responsibilities associated with being a legal professional in Florida, where the legal community is expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct and accountability.
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Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
