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FLORIDA RECORD

Thursday, March 28, 2024

St. Petersburg attorney faces disbarment for withdrawing $1.5 million in fees without client's permission

Discipline

TALLAHASSEE (Florida Record) – St. Petersburg attorney Jay Snyder faces voluntary and permanent disbarment following a Aug. 16 Florida Supreme Court order in advance of pending disciplinary matters, according to a recent announcement by The Florida Bar.

"Disciplinary matters pending against Snyder included the alleged withdrawal of $1.5 million in advance fees without the client’s authorization," the state bar said in its Aug. 31 announcement of the discipline and the Supreme Court's order.

The state Supreme Court issued its two-page order accepting Snyder's uncontested petition for disciplinary revocation, tantamount to disbarment, without leave to seek readmission. Attorneys disbarred in the state generally are permitted to apply for readmission after five years and even then they must pass through an extensive process that includes a rigorous background check and retaking the bar exam. Snyder has voluntarily agreed to permanent disbarment.

The court also ordered Snyder to pay approximately $1,520 in costs.

Snyder's disbarment was effective 30 days from the date of the court's order to allow him time to close out his practice and protect his existing clients' interests, according to the high court's order. If Snyder notifies the court in writing that he is no longer practicing and does not require 30 days, then the court may enter an order to make his disbarment effective immediately.

Snyder also is not permitted to accept new business from the date the court's order.

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 Snyder's suspension

Snyder, a 1977 graduate of Stetson University College of Law, was admitted to the bar in Florida on Nov. 18, 1977, and was certified in tax law in 1984, according to his profile at the state bar website. No prior discipline before the state bar is listed on Snyder's state bar profile.

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