Florida Supreme Court Suspends Two Escambia County Attorneys

January 2, 2014

The Florida Supreme Court has suspended two Escambia county attorneys, according to information released by the Florida Bar.

Will Rogers Helton, Jr., 900 N. Pace Blvd., Unit B, Pensacola, was suspended for 180 days. Helton was also a member of the South Carolina Bar. This is a reciprocal discipline case from South Carolina, where the misconduct occurred. During a seven-month period, Helton personally handled real estate closings that took place outside his law office.

Helton’s non-lawyer assistants handled most of the closings that took place in the law office, without the presence or supervision of a licensed attorney. In most cases, the non-lawyer assistants would sign Helton’s name as a witness on deeds, mortgages and other closing documents, the court said.

Eugene Keith Polk, 201 E. Government St., Pensacola, was suspended for 90 days, followed by three year’s probation. After being retained, Polk failed to communicate with a client for nearly two years and failed to return documents despite numerous requests, the court said.

Polk failed to respond to Bar inquiries for several months and misrepresented to the referee during the course of the disciplinary proceedings.

Comments

One Response to “Florida Supreme Court Suspends Two Escambia County Attorneys”

  1. Hmmm on January 3rd, 2014 8:36 am

    Why only a slap on the wrist? Those attorneys knew better and should be held to a higher standard!! What message are you sending to the rest of them???

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News