TALLAHASSEE (Florida Record) — Suspended Miami attorney Sonia Yvette Amador has been disbarred following an Oct. 24 Florida Supreme Court order over allegations stemming from two bankruptcy cases, according to a recent announcement by The Florida Bar.
Amador's disbarment was effective immediately and she also was ordered to pay $3,585 in restitution to two clients, according to the state bar's Nov. 26 announcement of the discipline and the Supreme Court's order.
"Amador received retainers to handle two bankruptcy cases but failed to diligently pursue the cases or communicate with the clients," the announcement said. "She also misrepresented the status of the proceedings and failed to respond to Florida Bar inquiries regarding the clients' grievances."
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 Amador'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.
Amador was admitted to the bar in Florida on Sept. 26, 2006, according to her profile at the state bar website.
Amador was indefinitely suspended following a Dec. 26, 2018, Supreme Court order for allegedly failing to cooperate in a official inquiry.
In its two-page order, the high court granted a state bar petition for contempt and order to show cause and held Amador in contempt.
Amador's suspension was effective 30 days from the date of the court's order to allow her time to close her practice and protect her existing clients' interests, according to the court's order.
Neither the state bar's petition nor the Supreme Court's order at the time provided information about the inquiries.
Amador was suspended from the U.S. District Court for Florida's Southern District in March.