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Chief Judge Timothy J. Koenig | Holly Elomina, Trial Court Administrator

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Local Professionalism Panel

The Sixteenth Judicial Circuit Local Professionalism Panel was established for the purpose of promoting and encouraging professionalism within the legal community. County Judge Albert Kelley is the Chair of the Professionalism Panel, and members from the local bar association and legal community are appointed to serve on the Panel by the Chief Judge.  All three geographic regions of Monroe County are currently represented on the panel.

Administrative Order 2.086

A gavel and a set of scales.

Purpose of the Panel

  • Receive, screen, evaluate and act upon complaints of unprofessional conduct and resolve those complaints informally, if possible, or refer the complaints to the Florida Bar, if necessary.
  • If appropriate, discuss the complaint with the attorney alleged to have engaged in unprofessional conduct and address conduct inconsistent with the Standards of Professionalism in an informal non-punitive and educational manner.
  • Counsel attorney if determined such counseling will further the goals of the Standards of Professionalism.

This process is educational rather than disciplinary and does not address alleged violations of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar. Instead, it focuses on concerns about professionalism that do not rise to the level of a rule violation. Referrals to the Local Professionalism Panel may be submitted by licensed attorneys, judges, or other individuals.

Alternatively, complaints alleging unprofessionalism may be filed with the Florida Bar Attorney Consumer Assistance and Intake Program (ACAP). More information about The Florida Bar’s ACAP can be found by visiting the ACAP Website or by calling the ACAP Hotline at (866) 352-0707.

Complaint Process

  1. Complete the complaint form.
  2. Email the completed complaint form and up to ten (10) pages of exhibits to the Chair of the Professionalism Panel.
  3. The Executive Board will proceed with the review process detailed in the Administrative Order.
  4. When the Executive Board arrives at a decision on your complaint, you will be notified via email.
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Members of an executive board sitting around a table.

Executive Board

The Executive Board of the Professionalism Panel has five members appointed by the Chief Judge:

  • Judge Albert Kelley
  • Judge Sharon Hamilton
  • Nick Batty
  • Michael Crimella
  • Gregory Friedman
  • Patricia Gibson
  • Cynthia Hall
  • Ashley Sybesma

Contact Info

Email: Professionalism@keyscourts.net