TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Supreme Court disbarred Hollywood attorney Marquista Alexandria Shipman for allegedly failing to represent clients in foreclosure.
In the Aug. 2 order, the high court approved the uncontested referee's report filed in the matter before disbarring Shipman and ordering her to pay more than $2,000 in court costs. Shipman was already suspended, which meant her disbarment was effective immediately.
"Shipman accepted a fee to represent clients and foreclose on several properties," the Florida Bar said in an announcement of the order. "She did little or no work on the cases. Shipman did not respond to the complaints, nor did she participate in The Florida Bar’s case against her."
Florida court orders are not final until time to file a rehearing motion expires. Filing such a motion does not alter the effective date of Shipman's suspension
Attorneys disbarred in the state generally may not re-apply for admission for five years and even then they must pass through an extensive process that includes a rigorous background check and retaking the bar exam.
Shipman was admitted to the bar in Florida on Oct. 2, 2009, according to her profile at the state bar website.
Shipman was suspended following a Florida Supreme Court order issued in November.
In January, the Florida Bar filed a formal complaint against Shipman. In one of four client matters described in the complaint, a client paid Shipman more than $5,700 to work on three foreclosure matters in 2015.
"Thereafter, [Shipman] failed to respond to Jones' requests for updates and status on the cases or communicate any information," the complaint said.
Shipman did not answer the complaint and she did not file any other pleading in the matter, according to the referee's report. Subsequently, the referee entered a default and the final hearing in March was for sanctions only. The referee recommended Shipman be found guilty of misconduct, disbarred and ordered to pay costs.