The Florida Bar, Complainant v. David Leonard Ross, Respondent

Summary

The court approved the referee’s factual findings and determinations that Ross violated six professional-conduct rules, but rejected the recommended six-month suspension. Considering the prolonged failure to account for and return client funds, the intentional forgery of another attorney’s signature, Ross’s prior discipline, and applicable sanction standards, the court imposed a three-year suspension and assessed costs. Justice Labarga, dissenting, would have disbarred Ross because the cumulative misconduct and disciplinary history demonstrated that a suspension was inadequate.