Florida High Court Suspends Lawyer Who Harassed, Disparaged Opposing Counsel

A lawyer who “incessantly” insulted opposing counsel has been suspended for two years by the Florida Supreme Court for “appalling and unprofessional behavior.” Though a referee recommended Jeffrey Alan Norkin be sanctioned, the state’s high court found that too lenient considering Norkin’s behavior toward Gary Brooks, then 71 and suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Norkin sent emails to Brooks disparaging his litigation practices, called Brooks a “scumbag” within earshot of other lawyers, and said that a judge was at Brook’s “beck and call.”