TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Supreme Court has disbarred Coral Gables attorney Timothy J. Chuilli over allegations arising from a single client matter, The Florida Bar said in a recent release.
"After receiving notice from The Florida Bar, Chuilli failed to appear at a final disciplinary hearing and did not participate throughout the proceedings," the state bar said in its Feb. 28 announcement of the discipline and the Supreme Court's order. "In addition, he failed to provide competent representation, failed to communicate and failed to expedite litigation in a civil matter."
Chuilli's disbarment was effective immediately, according to the announcement.
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 Chuilli's disbarment.
Attorneys disbarred in Florida generally cannot reapply for admission for five years and must pass an extensive process that includes a rigorous background check and retaking the bar exam.
Chuilli was admitted to the bar in Florida on May 2, 1992, according to his profile on the state bar website.
Chuilli was suspended in May, according to information on his state bar profile. In July, Chuilli was also suspended from the U.S. District Court for Florida's Southern District.
His suspension followed a state bar complaint filed in April that alleged Chuilli represented a client in a civil matter after he became delinquent in his continuing legal education requirements in 2016 and his state bar fees the following year. Chuilli, who has since been ineligible to practice law in Florida, ultimately stopped communicating with his client, who subsequently had to represent herself in her case, according to the complaint.
Chuilli did not appear for a hearing in August in the state bar's disciplinary proceedings against him and the referee assigned to the matter recommended Chuilli be found guilty of violating profession conduct rules regarding competence, communication and expediting litigation. The referee also recommended that Chuilli be "appropriately disciplined."