In the realm of legal practice, the pursuit of justice should always be coupled with unwavering ethical standards. Recent developments have brought to light the suspension of William Winters and Marc Yonker, known colloquially as the “aggressive attorneys.” This suspension serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding the highest ethical standards within the legal profession.
On September 6, 2012, the Florida Supreme Court took a decisive step by suspending both William Winters and Marc Yonker from the practice of law due to “professional misconduct.” This decision stems from a 2010 charge brought forth by the Florida Bar, which accused the duo of engaging in deceptive practices and misappropriating files from their former employer, Richard Mulholland, back in 2001 when they were in the process of establishing their own firm.
The allegations against Winters and Yonker were quite serious, with the Florida Bar Association contending that someone acting on their behalf had unlawfully accessed Mulholland’s computer to manipulate client information. Moreover, it was alleged that Yonker had taken and duplicated client files from Mulholland’s office. To compound matters, potential clients were reportedly misled into believing that a third lawyer was set to join their firm.
The Florida Supreme Court sided with the Florida Bar’s allegations, affirming that Winters and Yonker’s “personal use of the Mulholland firm’s client files constituted acts of criminal theft.” In light of this finding, the Court imposed a 90-day suspension on William Winters and a 60-day suspension on Marc Yonker. During this suspension period, they are barred from conducting any legal business and accepting new clients.
This disciplinary action comes in the wake of a significant $2 million verdict won by Richard Mulholland against Winters and Yonker in a 2008 civil claim, which was rooted in the same incident. Although neither Winters nor Yonker are licensed to practice law in Kentucky nor reside within the Commonwealth, it is imperative that the sanctions imposed by the Florida Supreme Court serve as a cautionary tale for legal practitioners everywhere.
It is worth noting that while Winters and Yonker may have billed themselves as the “aggressive attorneys,” the legal community widely understands that “aggressive” should never be synonymous with “unethical” or “illegal.” The ethical foundation upon which the legal profession stands is its lifeblood, and any breach of this foundation undermines the very essence of justice.
In light of these recent events, it becomes increasingly evident that the choice of a legal representative holds immense significance. When seeking legal counsel, it is essential to align oneself with a law firm that has a proven track record of integrity and ethical practice.
Becker Law Office stands as a testament to unwavering ethical standards in the legal profession. With nearly three decades of experience representing injured individuals in Kentucky and Indiana, Becker Law Office maintains an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Notably, the Managing Partner of Becker Law Office holds an AV rating, the highest accolade attorneys can earn for both legal competence and ethical standards, according to Martindale Hubbell.
Moreover, the Managing Partner of Becker Law Office regularly shares insights on legal ethics and personal injury through lectures throughout the Commonwealth. In a noteworthy event, he is slated to speak alongside Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Wil Schroder at the Kentucky Justice Association Annual Convention on Friday, September 21, 2012, in Lexington, Kentucky, reaffirming his commitment to upholding ethical standards within the legal profession.
In the end, the suspension of Winters and Yonker serves as a stark reminder that the legal profession must remain vigilant in maintaining the highest ethical standards. It is only through such unwavering commitment to ethical conduct that the true pursuit of justice can be achieved.