Florida High Court Suspends Two Lawyers From Practice For Their Involvement In Performing Loan Modification Services

The Florida Bar, the state's guardian for the integrity of the legal profession, recently published its periodic 'gossip sheet,' announcing that the Florida Supreme Court in recent court orders disciplined 24 attorneys, disbarring eight and suspending 13. Among those Florida attorneys making this period's hit parade are the following pair for their involvement in the performance of loan modification services:

1. Thomas C. Matevia, 4521 PGA Blvd., No. 254, Palm Beach Gardens, suspended for three years, effective 30 days from a June 29 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1970) Matevia worked at a high volume law firm providing loan modification services, in which he was ultimately unable to meet his payroll and other financial obligations. The financial failure of the law firm caused at least 41 complaints to be filed with The Florida Bar, by clients that paid a retainer fee for Matevia to handle cases for them that he didn’t complete. He also violated Bar rules by paying bonuses to non-lawyer employees for signing up clients for the law firm. Matevia was also ordered to pay restitution of $102,049 to clients. (Case No. SC12-1118).
2. Robert Victor Rossenwasser, 99 N.W. 183rd St., Suite 100B, North Miami, suspended for 90 days, effective 30 days from a June 29 court order. (Admitted to practice: 1992) Rossenwasser is the subject of several Bar disciplinary matters stemming from his involvement in a loan modification business. (Case No. SC12-1120).

Source: Supreme Court Disciplines 24 Attorneys.