FLORIDA SUPREME COURT PROHIBITS THE UNLICENSED PRACTICE OF LAW 3/9/04

Martch 9, 2004

TALLAHASSEE -- The Florida Bar, the state's guardian for the integrity of the legal profession, announced today that the Florida Supreme Court recently issued nine court orders permanently prohibiting 13 persons and/or corporations from engaging in the unlicensed practice of law.

The following entities are prohibited from engaging in the unlicensed practice of law [Please note that court orders are not final until time expires to file a rehearing motion, and, if filed, determined.]:

Scott Fagan, individually and d/b/a A Paralegal of Florida, Sneads, permanently enjoined from engaging in the unlicensed practice of law following an October 9, 2003 court order based on a stipulated injunction; it was alleged that respondent gave legal assistance and advice in a mortgage foreclosure matter and in an automobile accident lawsuit (Case no. SC02-1738)

Francisco Matus, a/k/a Francisco J. Matus Robleto, Miami, permanently enjoined from engaging in the unlicensed practice of law following an October 16, 2003 court order based on a stipulated injunction; it was alleged that respondent held himself out as an attorney and as qualified to handle immigration matters (Case no. SC03-1673)

Scott Gorman, Pendleton, Indiana, permanently enjoined from engaging in the unlicensed practice of law following a November 6, 2003 court order based on a stipulated injunction; it was alleged that respondent held himself out as an attorney and provided legal advice and services in criminal matters (Case no. SC02-1591)

Brian Pitts, St. Petersburg, permanently enjoined from engaging in the unlicensed practice of law following a November 6, 2003 court order; Respondent held himself out as an attorney, filed pleadings, and appeared in court and attempted to represent an individual in a court case (Case no. SC02-247)

Soraya Puentes, individually and on behalf of Immigration & Notary Public Services, Hialeah, permanently enjoined from engaging in the unlicensed practice of law following a November 20, 2003 court order based on a stipulated injunction; it was alleged that respondent held herself out as an attorney and provided legal assistance in family law matters (Case no. SC03-1936)

Danilo Matus-Urzola, Miami, permanently enjoined from engaging in the unlicensed practice of law following a November 20, 2003 court order based on a stipulated injunction; it was alleged that respondent held himself out as an attorney and rendered legal advice in immigration matters (Case no. SC03-1938)

Jose B. Nascimento, New Orleans, Louisiana, permanently enjoined from engaging in the unlicensed practice of law following a November 20, 2003 court order based on a stipulated injunction; it was alleged that respondent held himself out as a Florida attorney and rendered legal services in immigration matters (Case no. SC03-1937)

Yollette Antoine-Anozard, individually, and Hospital for the Needy and Homeless Persons, Inc., d/b/a Community Legal Services of Florida, Miami, permanently enjoined from engaging in the unlicensed practice of law following a January 8, 2004 court order based on a stipulated injunction; it was alleged that respondent held herself out as an attorney and provided legal assistance in immigration matters (Case no. SC03-69)

Shamina Harricharan-Vigo, a/k/a Shamina Harricharan, individually, and d/b/a FYI & Associates, Ocoee, permanently enjoined from engaging in the unlicensed practice of law following a January 15, 2004 court order based on a stipulated injunction; it was alleged that respondent provided legal assistance in traffic citation matters (Case no. SC02-1539)

DATE: March 9, 2004
CONTACT: Emilie Ruetenik, The Florida Bar
TELEPHONE: 850/561-5666