Florida Bar Presented Evidence Of Mark Stopa Wrongdoing In 2018. Florida Bar Demanded Immediate Suspension For Stopa

The Florida Bar Association has presented evidence of Attorney Mark Stopa wrongdoing in July 2018. As a result, the Bar is sought an immediate emergency suspension of Stopa. They claimed he appeared to be causing great harm to the public by practicing law.

The Florida Bar said Stopa continued to engage in the misconduct that got him in trouble in the first place.

The Florida Bar filed the petition with the Florida Supreme Court. The petition presents more evidence of Mark Stopa wrongdoing. Lawyers allege that Stopa settled cases without his clients’ knowledge.

They also allege that he failed to disclose his ownership of a company to which a client deeded her house. In addition, the Bar alleges Stopa instructed one client to lie about the amount he had borrowed.

That client is currently facing felony perjury charges.

The petition calls for immediate suspension:

Immediate action must be taken for the protection of (Stopa’s) clients and the public.

The Florida Bar’s Accusations Of Mark Stopa Wrongdoing

The Bar’s petition includes additional allegations of misconduct. They claim these claims emerged after Judge Allan made her recommendations:

Stopa settled a California woman’s foreclosure case in April 2018 without her knowledge or authorization. The woman did not learn about the settlement until another attorney told her the lender had agreed to $7,000 in relocation assistance.

In 2014, Stopa’s firm told client Beverly Mellow that an investor was interested in buying her home. She executed a quitclaim deed that year to Quest Systems LLC.

Stopa failed to disclose he has an ownership interest in Quest Systems. The bar claims Stopa failed to explain the legal ramifications of signing the deed. They also state Stopa failed to advise her to seek independent counsel concerning the transaction and failed to obtain her written informed consent. Stopa has continued to fight the foreclosure on behalf of Quest Systems.

In 2017, Stopa told client James Goeke to mislead the court. Stopa told Goeke to tell the court he only borrowed $30,000 on a line of credit although Goeke had previously said in a deposition that he owed about $190,000. Stopa “knowingly encouraged or allowed his client to take the stand and provide false testimony,” the petition says.

The Florida Bar presented evidence of Stopa filing numerous motions that contained false statements that delayed litigation. These delays had a detrimental effect on the court system. The Bar alleges Stopa continued filing the motions despite warnings from Judge Sharpe-Byrd to stop doing so.

Stopa would immediately be barred from accepting any new clients if he is placed in emergency suspension. Additionally, he could not withdraw money from any trust accounts or financial institutions related to his law practice.

Judge Claims Mark Stopa Wrongdoing Is Due To His Mental Health Issues

Pinellas County Judge Linda Allan had stopped short of calling for disbarment of Stopa. She recommended a one year and limited to appellate work for an additional year. In addition, she is recommending he undergo a year of mental health counseling.

Judge Allan, cited Stopa’s angry outbursts against some trial judges that they threw him out of their courtrooms.

However, Allan also heard from appellate judges who called Stopa a well-prepared, intelligent attorney.

Judge Allan wrote in her report:

The Florida Bar has recommended disbarment as the appropriate sanction.  The Referee understands this perspective, particularly in light of (Stopa’s) persistence in blaming others and resistance to acknowledge the wrongful nature of his belligerent and angry conduct toward judges and others. However, the Referee believes that an attorney of (Stopa’s) legal talent, intellectual abilities, and many well-served clients deserve a structured opportunity for rehabilitation.

Stopa originally claimed he was going to appeal:

The ruling overlooks mountains of exculpatory and mitigating evidence and makes findings for which there is no evidence at all.

New Evidence of Mark Stopa Wrongdoing Emerges. Stopa Decides To Start New Company

Stopa had stated he was appealing Allan’s suspension ruling. However, he indicated now he would accept the suspension.

Stopa claims he is starting a company to help homeowners facing foreclosure:

I’m disinclined to be challenging the result of what happened. It is so time-consuming and expensive and I’m so excited about this new business venture.

Stopa is calling the venture Shining Armor. He claims the company would help borrowers negotiate short payoffs. Basically, Stopa is starting a loan modification company.

Shining Armor is backed by investors with deep pockets according to Stopa. However, he refused to elaborate.