TALLAHASSEE — St. Petersburg attorney Kelley Andrea Bosecker has been disbarred over allegations she failed to comply with a previous disciplinary order.
"She practiced law while suspended, she failed to timely provide notice of her suspension to opposing counsel, the courts and her clients, and she falsely advised the court that she had notified all parties of her suspension," the Florida State Bar said in its Oct. 31 announcement of the discipline and the Supreme Court's order.
In its 24-page opinion, the state Supreme Court approved, in part, the factual findings and recommendations about Bosecker's guilt, and approved the recommended disciplinary sanction of disbarment. Bosecker allegedly continued to practice law while she was suspended by maintaining direct contact with her clients, engaging in discussions with opposing counsel and contacting court personnel about cases in which she was counsel of record, according to the opinion.
"Contrary to Bosecker's belief, there is no constitutional right to practice law," the court's opinion said. "Rather, it is a privilege to which the court has exclusive jurisdiction under the Florida Constitution to oversee."
Bosecker already was suspended, which meant her disbarment was effective immediately, according to the court's order. Bosecker was also ordered to pay about $3,841 in costs.
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 Bosecker's disbarment.
Attorneys disbarred in the state generally cannot reapply for admission for five years and then must pass through an extensive process that includes a rigorous background check and retaking the bar exam.
Bosecker was admitted to the bar in Florida on Nov. 19, 1984, according to her profile at the state bar website.
Bosecker was indefinitely suspended following a May 2017 Florida Supreme Court order after she was found in contempt for violating the terms of a prior disciplinary order.