Appellate Case: 2D10-5197 Lower Tribunal Case: 05-CA-7205; Gillespie v. Barker, Rodems Cook, PA, William Cook. Exhibit 1 Clerk of Court J ames Birkhold, form letter to Gillespie dated October 7, 2013 Exhibit 2 ORDER granting stay, Hillsborough Circuit J udge Marva Crenshaw, September 9, 2008 Exhibit 3 Plaintiffs Motion for Stay, Mr. Bauer for Gillespie, J une 6, 2008 Exhibit 4 Plaintiff's Claim of Exemption and Request for Hearing, Mr. Bauer for Gillespie Aug-14-2008 Exhibit 5 Emergency Request for Hearing, Mr. Bauer for Gillespie, August 11, 2008 Exhibit 6 Affidavit of Neil J . Gillespie, Mr. Bauer prohibited Gillespie from attending hearings Separate Appendix: Bar Complaint, Ryan Christopher Rodems, 2007-11,162(13D) Feb-20-2007 Separate Appendix: TRANSCRIPT, Circuit J udge Crenshaw, emergency hearing, August 14, 2008 Separate Appendix: Gillespies letter October 1, 2013 to The Hon. Charles A. Davis, J r. Chief J udge Separate Appendix: J ohn Gardner RFA No. 14-14647 separate appendix, update J une 5, 2014 Separate Appendix, UPL Complaint against Mr. Rodems, unlawfully represented the state of Florida in a federal court action; Accompanied the Notice of Appeal, December 5, 2013 to the 2dDCA. Separate Appendix: Amended Disability Motion, U.S. Eleventh Circuit, 43 page motion only; 251 page motion and exhibits on Scribd at the link below. http://www.scribd.com/doc/102585752/Amended-Disability-Motion-12-11213-C-C-A-11 Motion shows the Americans With Disabilities Act required disqualification of Mr. Rodems as counsel. (-; "";.. / The FloridaBar 'fD) In! .Inquiry/Complaint Fonn FEB 2 2 )UUI FLORIDA BAR TAMPA BRANCH ------=..:...:.:...::...:..::::.:...:.-_--- PART ONE: (Read instructions on reverse side.) Your Name:AJ61 Address: SW 1/6 City: Q'Ct4 IA State: EL- Phone: CdJ flifC'l Zip Code: 3r't e/ ACAP Refe,-ence No, c:,u'--'d'"N-'-'--"=- _ Attorney's Name: Address: . Z/tJt:7 City: U/l-tf2L1- ;="L. Phone: (fi3J I Zip Code: -3-6-'a-.;<- " PART TWO: (See reverse, part two.) The specific thing or things I am complaining about are: , r cJ
PART THREE: (See reverse, part three.) The witnesses in support of my allegations are: [see attached sheet]_ : (See reverse, part four.) (circle one or the other) attempt to use ACAP to resolve this situation. To attem 0 resolve this matter, I did the following: I did / id no PART FIVE (See reverse. part five.): Under penalty ofpeIjury. I declare the foregoing facts are true. correct and complete_ PUBLIC RECORD
"'" .../ Neil J. Gillespie 8092 SW 115 1h Loop Ocala, Florida 34481 Telephone: (352) 502-8409 VIA US PRIORITY MAIL Delivery Confirmation No.: 0306 1070000320528076 February 20, 2007 The Florida Bar 5521 West Spruce Street, C-49 Tampa, Florida 33607-5958 This is a complaint against attorney Ryan Christopher Rodems, ID no. 947652. Enclosed you will find a completed inquiry/complaint form. My complaint against Mr. Rodems is for his violation of the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar during his appearance in a civil lawsuit styled Neil J. Gillespie v. Barker, Rodems & Cook, P.A. and William 1. Cook, case no. 05-CA-7205. I am the Plaintiff suing the Defendants, who are my former lawyers. In retaliation my former lawyers countersued me for. libel over a previous Bar complaint. Mr. Rodems' misconduct falls into several categories. The first category of his misconduct involves conflict of interest with a former client (me) and disclosure of my confidential client information gained during his law firm's prior representation of me, and his general disregard for the rules as set forth below. Mr. Rodems' second category of misconduct relates to his allegations that I committed criminal acts, including his accusation that my Bar complaint against his law partner, William J. Cook, is criminal extortion under Florida law. Mr. Rodems falsely accused me of threatening violence in Judge Nielsen's chambers, and when that was proved false with a tape recording of the conversation, Mr. Rodems accused me of yet a third crime, a felony for tape recording him. (Even though he wrote me consenting to being tape recorded). Mr. Rodems' third category of misconduct is his retaliatory libel counterclaim against me for writing about a Bar complaint against Mr. Cook in a letter to Ian PUBLIC RECORD ~ The FloridaBar,Tampa""'- Page- 2of10 February20,2007 MackechnieofAmscotCorporation,afterthecomplaintprocesshadrun itscourse,and thecomplaintwasamatterof publicrecord. Mr. Rodemsisawarethatmydisclosurehas absoluteprotectionpursuanttoTobkinv. Jarboe,710So.2d975,ascitedbyMr. Kenneth LawrenceMarvin,DirectorofLawyerRegulationfortheFloridaBar. Mr. Rodems' fourthcategoryofmisconductisan incidentofhisperjurythatled to therecusalofthetrialjudge,theHonorableRichardA. Nielsen. AnaggravatingfactorinMr. Rodems' misconductisthefact thatIamdisabled, andMr. Rodemshasusedinformationaboutmydisabilityagainstme, informationhe learnedfromhislawfirm'spriorrepresentationofme. Enclosedpleasefind thefollowingdocumentssupportingmycomplaintagainst Mr. Rodems: A. MyComplaintforBreachofContractandFraud,filed August 11,2005. B. Defendants' Motionto DismissandStrike. ThiswasMr. Rodems' first appearanceinthislawsuit,August29,2005. C. OrderbyJudgeRichardA. Nielsenfinding acauseofactionforBreachof ContractandFraudagainstBarker, Rodems& Cook,P.A. andWilliamJ. Cook,January 13,2006. D. RetaliatoryLibelcounterclaimby RyanChristopherRodems,January 19, 2006,againstNeilJ. Gillespie,withallegationsofcriminalextortion, foraletterIwroteAmscotCorp. aboutaBarcompliant. Libel CounterclaimcontainedinMr. Rodems' Answer,AffirmativeDefenses andCounterclaim. E. PlaintiffsMotionfor PunitiveDamagesPursuantto Section768.72 FloridaStatues,withsupportingexhibits. Thisdocumentsmyrelationship withMr. Rodems' lawfirm, Barker,Rodems& Cook,P.A. F. TranscriptofmyMarch3, 2006,telephoneconversationwithMr. Rodems wherehethreatenedtorevealmyconfidentialclientinformation, andwherehemisquotedme inhis verificationtotheCourt. G. PlaintiffsMotionWithAffidavitForAnOrderToShowCauseWhy RyanChristopherRodemsShouldnotBe HeldInCriminalContemptOf CourtAndIncorporatedMemorandumOfLaw. Thisdocument,withan audiotapeofthepertinentconversation,showsthatMr. Rodemsliedto JudgeNielsenaboutme, underoath,whichledto JudgeNielsen'srecusal. H. PlaintiffsAccommodationRequest,AmericansWithDisabilitiesAct, PUBLIC RECORD () The Florida Bar, Tampi;;' o Page - 3 of 10 February 20, 2007 shows that Mr. Rodems used information about my disability against me, information he learned from his law firm's prior representation of me. My complaint against Ryan Christopher Rodems: Mr. Rodems as defense counsel has a direct conflict of interest with me. Defense counsel is the Defendant in this lawsuit and is being sued by a former client for fraud and breach of contract. The contract is attached to the complaint as exhibit I. Defendants and Plaintiff entered into a representation contract that Defendants are now trying to disavow. Defendants formerly represented Plaintiffs interest in the contract. On January 13,2006, the Court found that Plaintiff stated a cause of action against Defendants for breach of that contract and Defendants' accompanying fraud. Rule 4-1.9(a), Rules Regulating the Florida Bar, states that a lawyer who has formerly represented a client in a matter shall not thereafter represent another person in the same or a substantially related matter in which that person's interests are materially adverse to the interest of the former client unless the former client consents after consultation. In the instant case, Defendants represented Plaintiff s interest in the contract beginning November 3,2000, when it was signed. Now with the commencement of this lawsuit, Defendants are representing their own interest in the contract, and taking a position materially adverse to Plaintiff, their former client. This is what West's Florida Statutes Annotated states under Comment (Vol. 35, pp. 354-355): "After termination of a client-lawyer relationship, a lawyer may not represent another client except in conformity with this rule. The principles in Rule 4-1.9 determine whether the interests of the present and former client are adverse. Thus, a lawyer could not properly seek to rescind on behalf of a new client a contract drafted on behalf of the former client." (underline added). "When a lawyer has been directly involved a specific transaction, subsequent representation of other clients with materially adverse interests clearly is prohibited." (underline added). The contract between Plaintiff and Defendants is a specific transaction directly involving Defendants who now have materially adverse interests. With regard to an opposing party's raising a question of conflict of interest see comment to rule 4-1.7, which states that a lawyer ordinarily may not act as advocate against a person the lawyer represents in some other matter, even if it is wholly unrelated. (p. 330). As in the instant case, if the probity of a lawyer's own conduct in a transaction is in serious question, it may be difficult or impossible for the lawyer to give a client detached advise. (pp. 330-331). And a suit charging fraud I entails conflict to a degree not involved in a suit for a declaratory judgment concerning statutory interpretation. (p. 331). Where the conflict is such as clearly to call into question the fair or efficient administration ofjustice, opposing counsel may properly raise the question. (p. 332). Thus I The Court found a cause of action for fraud against Defendants in the instant case. PUBLIC RECORD cB) The Florida Bar, Page - 4 of 10 February 20, 2007 Plaintiff pro se may properly raise the question of disqualification, because Mr. Rodems' presence in the litigation calls into question the fair and efficient administration ofjustice, particularly when Mr. Rodems will commit perjury before the court to gain an advantage for his own law firm, a defendant in this case. Finally, Rule 4-1.1 0, the Imputed disqualification general rule, subsection (a) states that while lawyers are associated in a firm, none of them shall knowingly represent a client when any 1 of them practicing alone would be prohibited from doing so by rule 4-1.7, 4- 1.8(c), 4-1. 9, or 4-2.2. This rule is especially valid in the instant case because Defendant Barker, Rodems & Cook, P.A., is a small, three lawyer firm, and the rule of imputed disqualification stated in subdivision (a) gives effect to the principle of loyalty to the client as it applies to lawyers who practice in a law firm. Such situations can be considered from the premise that a firm of lawyers is essentially 1 lawyer for purposes of the rules governing loyalty to the client or from the premise that each lawyer is vicariously bound by the obligation of loyalty owed by each lawyer with whom the lawyer is associated. Plaintiff's personal confidential information is also at stake in this motion to disqualify. Preserving confidentiality is a question of access to information. Access to information, in tum, is essentially a question of fact in particular circumstances, aided by inferences, deductions, or working presumptions that reasonably may be made about the way in which lawyers work together. A lawyer may have general access to files of all clients of a law firm and may regularly participate in discussions of their affairs; it should be inferred that such a lawyer in fact is privy to all information about all the firm's clients. The following paragraph illustrates how Plaintiffs personal information is freely discussed among Mr. Barker, Mr. Rodems and Mr. Cook, and probably their support staff too, and this is another basis for disqualification. An attorney can be disqualified if he is opposing a former client from whom he received confidential information related to the pending action or if the attorney had access to information in prior representation that would prejudice the former client in the subsequent representation. In any event, it is presumed that that the lawyer received confidential information if an attorney-client relationship existed. In the instant case Defendant Barker, Rodems & Cook, P.A. has threatened to use such information to the disadvantage Plaintiff. On March 3, 2006, Ryan Christopher Rodems telephoned Plaintiff at his home and issued the following threat to use infoffi1ation learned from its prior representation ofPlaintiffto Plaintiffs disadvantage: This is what Mr. Rodems said, taken from a transcript of the conversation: MR. RODEMS: Didn't you at one time purchase a car so that you could get the cash rebate to get some dental work done? We're going to get to the discovery, anyhow, so just tell me, did that really happen? MR. GILLESPIE: What? MR. RODEMS: Did you purchase a car so that you could get the cash rebate to get some dental work done? PUBLIC RECORD () o TheFloridaBar,Tampa''-:-- Page- 5of10 February20,2007 MR. GILLESPIE: Listen,thisiswhyyouneedtobedisqualified. MR. RODEMS:No,Imean, that's-- becauseIknowthat? BecauseI knowthatto beafact? MR. GILLESPIE: Youknowittobeafact from yourprevious representationofme. MR. RODEMS: Well.youknow,seethat's-- MR. GILLESPIE: Ifitis -- ifit'safact, anyway. MR. RODEMS: Youneedtostudytherulesandregulationsofthe FloridaBarbecausewhenyoumake-- MR. GILLESPIE: Ithink,IthinkIboughtacarso Iwouldhave somethingtodrive. Idon'tknowwhyyoubuycars, butthat'swhyI boughtit. MR. RODEMS: Well-- MR. GILLESPIE: Ifithadsonleotherbenefits,that'sdifferent. MR. RODEMS: Iunderstandthatcarwasrepossessedshortlyafteryou boughtitso-- MR. GILLESPIE:No,itwasn'trepossessed. MR. RODMES: Okay. Well, thenyoucanprobablydrivethatdownto tIle hearingthenonthe28th. MR. GILLESPIE:No, itwasvoluntarilyturnedinbecauseafter911 attackthejobthatIwas indriedup. Rule4-1.9(b),RulesRegulatingtheFloridaBar,statesthata lawyerwhohas formerly representedaclientinamattershall notthereafteruse informationrelatingtothe representationtothedisadvantageoftheformerclient. (relevantportion). Intheinstant caseMr. RodemshasannouncedthatDefendants' intendto useconfidentialinfom1ation acquiredinthepreviousrepresentationofPlaintiffto hisdisadvantageinthislawsuit. RyanChristopherRodemsascounselforDefendantsbroughtafrivolous libel counterclaimagainstPlaintiffinviolationofRule4-3.1,RulesRegulatingtheFloridaBar. DefendantsCounterclaimforLibel, CountsIandII, servedJanuary 19,2006,wastaken primarilyforthepurposeofunreasonabledelayandretaliationagainstPlaintiffforsuing PUBLIC RECORD A...: ... '.:.. TheFloridaBar, Page- 6of 10 February20,2007 hisformerlawyers. DefendantsarenotoriousintheTampalegalcommunityforengaging inanticswhichincludethrowingacupofcoffeeintheface oftheir counsel duringamediation 2 , andclaimingthattheothersideengaged incriminalextortionagainst them 3 . Defendants'counterclaimstatesthatPlaintiff engagedincriminalextortionagainst them,paragraph67. (AlsoinParagraph57,affirmativedefenses,containedinthesame document,Answers,AffirmativeDefensesandCounterclaim). AboutthetimePlaintiffretainedthelawfirmAlpert,Barker,Rodems,Ferrentino &Cook,P.A.,theSt. PetersburgTimesreportedthatJonathanAlpertthrewa20ounce cupofcoffeeinthefaceof attorneyArnoldLevineduringmediationinaseasonticket holderdispute. Alpert,Barker,Rodems, Ferrentino& Cook,P.A.,representedtheBucs' fans, andArnoldLevinerepresentedtheTampaBayBuccaneers. Accordingtostories publishedintheSt. PetersburgTimes,Alpertwasrantingandravingwhenhethrewa20 ouncecupofcoffeeintheface of Levine,whothensuedAlpertforcivildamagesandfiled abatterycomplaintwithTampaPolice. TheSt. PetersburgTimesalsoreportedthat JonathanAlpertannouncedincourtthathe hadaskedpoliceto investigate"threatsand/or extortion"bytheBucs'lawyerArnoldLevine. Tampapolicedetectivesreviewedthe extortioncomplaint,whichnamedLevine,BucsgeneralmanagerRichMcKayand EdwardandBryanGlazer. Sothistactic is Defendants' modusoperandi,exceptMr. Rodemsdidnotreport Plaintiffs"extortion"to lawenforcement. Furthermore,onMarch7,2006,Plaintiff offeredhissurrenderto MarkOber,buttheStateAttorneyhas notreplied. Plaintiff contactedtheFloridaBaraboutDefendantsaccusation,anditdoesnotagree. The DirectorofLawyerRegulation,KennethLawrenceMarvin,wrotePlaintiffthat"Those questionsinvolvea legalconclusionof criminallawandIamnotinapositionto answer them." Defendantsarenotcriminallawexpertseither. Mr. MarvinalsoprovidedPlaintiffwithacopyof aFloridaSupremeCourtcase Tobkinv. Jarboe, 7'10 So.2d975 (1998),whichheldthatanindividualwhofiles a complaintagainstanattorneyandmakesno publicannouncementofthecomplaintis affordedabsoluteimmunityfrom adefamationactionbycomplained-againstattorney. In the illstantcase,Plaintiffmadeno publicannouncementand infact allowedthegrievance procedureto runits naturalcourse. TheletterPlaintiffpurportedlywroteto Amscotis datedaftertheconclusionofthegrievanceprocedure,andannouncesthatMr. Cook prevailed,andthusdidnotdo anythingwrong. Also,Defendants' counterclaimfor libel will notsucceedgiventhelimiteddistributionandprivilegednatureofthepublication complainedof. Seee.g. Nodarv. Galbreath,462So.2d803 (Fla. 1984). Mr. Rodemslackof candortowardtheCourtisaclearviolationofRule4-3.3, RulesregulatingtheFloridaBar. Mr. Rodemsknowingmadeafalse statementofnlaterial facttotheCourtinviolationofRule4-3.3(a)(I). OnMarch6, 2006,Mr. Rodemsfiled Defendants' VerifiedRequestForBailiffAndForSanctions,wherehesworeunderoath 2 St. PetersburgTimes,June6, 2000,"Attorney'ssuitsayshe receivedcoffee in the face" 3 St. PetersburgTimes,June 10, 2000,"Sucsaccusedof extortion" PUBLIC RECORD :") The Florida Bar, Tampa . Page - 7 of 10 February 20, 2007 that Plaintiff was going to violently assault him in Judge Nielsen's chambers on April 25, 2006. But Mr. Rodems stands impeached by a transcript of the conversation during which the purported threat was made. In his motion, Mr. Rodems told the Court that Plaintiff threatened him during a telephone call on March 3, 2006. This is what Mr. Rodems wrote in paragraph 5: "At this point in the conversation, Plaintiff stated - and this is an exact quote - "I am going to slam you up against the wall in Judge Nielsen's chambers." Quite alarmed, I paused and said "are you threatening me physically or did you mean that metaphorically?" Plaintiff said "metaphorically," but his voice was full of anger." Mr. Rodems invoked the name of the of the Honorable Richard'A. Nielsen in the threat Plaintiff allegedly made against him. Mr. Rodems did this in a calculated effort to prejudice the Court against Plaintiff. Mr. Rodems used his position as an Officer of the Court to lend credibility to his verified accusation against Plaintiff. Mr. Rodems invoked the name of the Judge Nielsen to make the Court itself fearful of a violent attack from Plaintiff. This is what Mr. Rodems wrote: "I am concerned that Plaintiff may become violent if additional hearings do not resolve favorably for him, and I request that the Court have a bailiff available at any future hearings. In over thirteen years of practicing law, I have had only one other occasion wherein I was threatened in a matter that made me fear for my physical safety, and that case also involved a pro se party." Mr. Rodems then asked the Court to punish Plaintiff for his alleged threat, and to have a bailiff present in order to prevent Plaintiff from violently attacking Mr. Rodems in Judge Nielsen's implying that a violent attack in Judge Nielsen's chambers would most certainly injure Judge Nielsen due to the close proximity of Plaintiff to Judge Nielsen. This is what Mr. Rodems wrote: "Defendants request that the Court enter an Order sanctioning Plaintiff for the threatening comment, as detailed above, and Order Plaintiff to refrain from threatening acts of violence." Mr. Rodems then wrote: "WHEREFORE, Defendants request a bailiff at all future hearings and that Plaintiff be sanctioned appropriately." Mr. Rodems then verified the pleadings with the following statement: "I swear under penalty of perjury that the statements made in this motion are true and accurate and that the quotes attributed to Neil J. Gillespie are true and accurate. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED this 6 th day of March, 2006. RYAN CHRISTOPHER RODEMS, ESQUIRE" and the verification contained Mr. Rodems' signature. PUBLIC RECORD (l n l.. . The Florida Bar, T a m p ~ Page - 8 of 10 February 20, 2007 Mr. Rodems' verified request for bailiff and sanctions was notarized by Lynne Anne Spina, a notary public employed by Mr. Rodems at his law firm. Defendants' Verified Request For Bailiff And For Sanctions submitted by Mr. Rodems was false and misleading, and Mr. Rodems committed perjury regarding the "exact quote" attributed to Neil J. Gillespie. Mr. Rodems' defamation aggravated Plaintiffs disability. On March 3, 2006, Mr. Rodems telephoned Plaintiff at his home in Ocala, Florida, and issued several threats. Mr. Rodems knows Plaintiff suffers from a disability from his law firm's prior representation of Plaintiff. On March 3, 2006, Mr. Rodems insulted Plaintiff. (Transcript, page 7, line 21). Then Mr. Rodems threatened Plaintiff and said "I mean, it was kind of bizarre that you would even send that letter, but you did, so now you will have to pay for that." (Transcript, page 9, line 1). Mr. Rodems continued his threats, insults, and taunts until Plaintiff spoke metaphorically and said he would "slam him" on the law. This is Plaintiffs exact quote: "So listen you little, whatever, you raise anything you want, 1will see you on the 25 th and 1will slam you against the wall like 1did before." (Referring to Plaintiffs legal victory over Mr. Rodems motion to dismiss and strike). (Transcript, page 11, line 3). Mr. Rodems then falsely presented this information to the Court in Defendants' Verified Request For Bailiff And For Sanctions, submitted March 6, 2006. Mr. Rodems stated, under oath, that this is the exact quote attributable to Plaintiff: "I am going to slam you up against the wall in Judge Nielsen's chambers." Plaintiff did not say "in Judge Nielsen's chambers" but in fact Plaintiff said "like 1did before." These are two very different statements. Ryan Christopher Rodems lied to the Court to again an advantage. The hearing before Judge Nielsen on April 25, 2006 began with Mr. Rodems discussing his request for a bailiff to be present. This is what Mr. Rodems told the Court: MR. RODEMS: The fourth motion that we filed had to do with a request for a bailif(to be present. We didn't notice that for hearing, but obviously we have a deputy here. So that 1don't know that that necessarily needs to come up. Itwas not noticed for hearing today, but we can take it up if you want to. (Transcript, April 25,2006, page I, lines 15-20). And the Court responded: THE COURT: 1agree. And as for the request for bailiff, my procedure is on any case in which there is a pro se party, a bailiff is present. So just for future reference you do not have to submit a request. And since it's not in the form of a motion, 1don't think it needs a ruling. All right. (Transcript, April 25, 2006, beginning page 1, line 24). And during the hearing, Mr. Rodems stated that everything he represented to the court has been accurate. This is what Mr. Rodems said: PUBLIC RECORD TheFloridaBar,Tampa Page- 9of10 February20,2007 "Hisfinal reasonfortryingtodisqualifyme is he saidthatIlackcandor, whichhecitesnocaselawtothat 4 . AndIwouldassertbeforetheCourt,as anofficerofthecourt,thateverythingthatI've representedto thecourthas beenaccurate."(Transcript,April25, 2006,page 12, beginningline2). ThehearingbeforeJudgeNielsenonJune28,2006broughtmorefalse statementsfrom Mr. Rodems. ThisiswhatMr. Rodemssaid: MR. RODEMS:Allright. Firstof all,Judge,thiscontinuedallegationby Mr. Gillespiethatthere'sbeenathreatagainsthim,there'sbeenno threat againsthim; he is theonethatthreatenedmewhenwehadatelephone conversationandhetoldmehewasgoingto slamme upagainstyour hearingchamberswall. That'sneverbeenfollowed, buthecontinuesto repeatit ineverypleadingandthen,youknow,theideaisthat, Iguess, if you'vegotjudicialimmunityfrom whatyousay- butthebottomlineis, is that'sthere'sbeennothingbutcordialbehavioronourpart. (Transcript, June28, 2006,page 11, lines 11-22). Mr. Rodemsstatementtothecourtthat"there'sbeennothingbutcordial behavior onourpart"isimpeachedbythetranscriptofhisphonecall to PlaintiffonMarch3, 2006. Mr. RodemsrepeatedlyliedtotheCourtwithimpunity,to my detriment. RyanChristopherRodemsviolatedRule4-3.4,Rules RegulatingtheFloridaBar, Fairnessto OpposingPartyandCounsel. Rule4-3.4states,Alawyershallnot: (g)present, participateinpresenting,orthreatentopresentcriminalchargessolelyto obtainan advantageinacivilmatter. Aspreviouslystatedinparagraph5(c), Defendants' counterclaimstatesthatPlaintiffengagedincriminalextortionagainstthem,paragraph67. (Also inParagraph57,affirmativedefenses,containedinthesamedocument,Answers, Affirmative f n s ~ s andCounterclaim). DefendantsarenotoriousintheTampalegal communityforengaginginanticswhichincludeclaimingthattheothersideengagedin criminalextortionagainstthem. Sothistacticis Defendants' modusoperandi,andtheBar shouldstopthispracticeandrebukeMr. Rodems. Furthermore,onMarch7, 2006, Plaintiffofferedto surrenderto MarkOber,onthe felony crimeofextortion,buttheState Attorneyhas notreplied. PlaintiffcontactedtheFloridaBaraboutDefendantsaccusation, anditdoesnotagreeeither. TheDirectorofLawyerRegulation, KennethLawrence 4 Floridacaselaw prohibits lawyers from presentingfalse testimonyorevidence. Kneale v. Williams. 30 So. 2d 284(Fla. 1947), statesthatperpetrationof afraud is outsidethescopeofthe professionaldutyofan attorneyandno privilegeattachestocommunicationbetweenanattorneyandaclientwithrespectto transactionsconstitutingthe makingof afalse claimorthe perpetrationofafraud. Dodd v. The Florida Bar, 118So2d 17(Fla. 1960), remindsus that"thecourtsare ... dependenton membersof the barto ... presentthe true facts ofeachcause toenablethejudgeorthejuryto [decidethefacts] to whichthe law may beapplied. Whenanattorney allows false testimony ... [theattorney] ... makes it impossibleforthe scales[ofjustice]to balance." See The Fla. Bar v. Agar, 394So.2d405 (Fla. 1981),and The Fla. Bar v. Simons. 391 So. 2d684(Fla. 1980). PUBLIC RECORD en ( . ~ . , , :; TheFloridaBar,Tampa' .-' 't" Page- 10of10 February20,2007 Marvin,wrotePlaintiffthat"Thosequestionsinvolvealegalconclusionof criminallaw andIamnotinapositiontoanswerthem." Finally,IamaskingtheBartoconsiderMr. RodemsperjurytotheCourtthatled toJudgeNielsen'srecusalonNovember22,2006. Mr. Rodems' perjuryissetforthin PlaintiffsMotionWithAffidavitForAnOrderTo ShowCauseWhyRyanChristopher RodemsShouldnotBeHeldInCriminalContemptOfCourtAndIncorporated MemorandumOfLaw. (ExhibitG). Thisdocument,withanaudiotapeof thepertinent conversation,showsthatMr. RodemsliedtoJudgeNielsenaboutme,underoath,which ultimatelyledtoJudgeNielsen'srecusal. Inreviewingmycomplaint,IasktheBartoconsiderthedutythislawfirmonce owedme. Itislongestablishedthattherelationshipbetweenanattorneyandhisclientis oneof themostimportant,aswellasthemostsacred,knowntothelaw. The responsibilityof anattorneytoplacehisclient'sinterestaheadof hisownindealings withmattersuponwhichtheattorneyisemployedisatthefoundationof ourlegalsystem. (Deal v. Migoski, 122So. 2d415). Itisafiduciaryrelationshipinvolvingthehighest degreeoftruthandconfidence,andanattorneyis underaduty,atalltimes,to represent hisclientandhandlehisclient'saffairswiththeutmostdegreeofhonesty,forthrightness, loyalty,andfidelity. (Gerlachv. Donnelly,98 So. 2d493). ThelawyersatBarker, Rodenls& Cook,P.A.didnotmeetthisdutywhileIwastheirclient. Mr. Cookdidnot behaveaslawyerwithafiduciaryduty. Instead,my fonnerlawyersactedmorelikea pawnSllOP outfortheirownfinancial interests. Assetforth innlY motionforpunitive damages(ExhibitE),myformerlawyers' conductwasfraudulent, deliberately oppressive,malicious,andcommittedwithsuchgrossnegligenceasto indicatewanton disregardformyrights. (See Domkev. McNeil-P.P.C.,Inc.,M.D.Fla.1996,939F.Supp. 849). Assetforthinthiscomplaint,Mr. Rodems' unethicalbehaviorcontinuesunabated. ThisconcludesmyinitialcomplaintagainstRyanChristopherRodems. Sincerely, enclosures PUBLIC RECORD D. E. Plaintiff'sMotionforPunitiveDamagesPursuanttoSection768.72 FloridaStatues,withsupportingexhibits. Thisdocumentsmyrelationship withMr.Rodems'lawftnn,Barker,Rodems&Cook,P.A. F. TranscriptofmyMarch3,2006,telephoneconversationwithMr.Rodems where,#ethreatenedtorevealmyconftdentialclientinformation, ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ lJ1einhisVeriiicati"ntotheCourt.; . . G. ,PI3intifrs'MotionWithAffidavitFor'An: OrderToShow''CauseWhy RyahChristopherRodemsShouldnotBeHeldInCriminalContemptOf Court And Incorporated MemorandumOfLaw. This document, with an audiotapeofthepertinentconversation,showsthatMr.Rodemsliedto JudgeNielsenaboutme,underoath,whichledtoJudgeNielsen'srecusal. -, \ , ) Ii ....'-' , .... INTHECIRCUITCOURTOFTHETIllRTEENTHJUDICIALCmCUITOF THESTATEOFFLORIDA,INANDFORHILLSBOROUGHCOUNTY, CIVILDIVISION NEILJ.GILLESPIE, PLAINTIFF, vs. BARKER,RODEMS&COOK,P.A., aFloridaCorporation;andWILLIAM J.COOK, DEFENDANTS. --------------_-----:/ ORDERONDEFENDANTS'MOTIONTODISMISSANDSTRIKE TIDSCAUSEcameonforhearingonSeptember26,2005,uponDefendant's MotiontoDismissandStrike,andcounselforthepartiesbeingpresentandhavingmade argumentsandthecourthavingconsideredthePlaintiffsRebuttaltoDefendant'sMotion toDismissandStrike. Defendant'sReplyto PlaintiffsRebuttaltoDefendant'sMotion toDismissandStrikeandthePlaintiff'sSecondRebuttaltoDefendant'sMotionto DismissandStrike,andthecourtbeingadvisedfullyinthepremises,itisthereupon, ADJUDGEDasfollows: 1. Defendant'sMotiontoDismissandStrikeisgrantedinpartanddeniedinpart. 2. ThoseportionsofDefendant'sMotiontoDismissandStrikeseekingto dismisstheComplaintaredenied. Defendantshallhavefifteendaysfromthedateof this orderwithinwhichtofileresponsivepleadings. DIVISION"F " or, 36 - //1- C 3. Those portions of Defendant's Motion to Dismiss and Strike seeking to strike portions of the Complaint is granted in the following particulars: a. Paragraphs 47, 48, 49 and 50 of the Complaint are stricken. b. Exhibit 8 to the Complaint is stricken. c. All references to or demands for punitive damages are stricken or failure to comply with 768.72 of the Florida Statutes. ORDERED in Chambers, at Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida, this _ day of JAN 13 2006 , 2o_. RICHARD A. NIELSEN CIRCUIT JUDGE Copies furnished to: Ryan C. Rodems, Esquire 300 West Platt Street, Suite 150 Tampa, Florida 33606 Neil J. Gillespie 8092 SW 115 th Loop Ocala, Florida 34481 or' 37 f _ , INTHECIRCUITCOURTOFTHETHIRTEENTHJUDICIAL CIRCUITINANDFORHILLSBOROUGHCOUNTY,FLORIDA GENERALCIVILDIVISION NEILJ. Gll..LESPIE, Plaintiff, . CASENO.: 05-CA-7205 vs. BARKER,RODEMS& COOK,P.A., DMSION:H aFloridacorporation,Wll..LIAM J. COOK, Defendants. ------------_/ PLAINTIFF'SACCOMODATIONREQUEST (ADA)andstates: 1. Plaintiffwasdeterm.iliedtotallydisabledbySocialSecurityin1994. r 2. DefendantsarefamiliarwithPlaintiff'sdisabilityfromtheirprior representationofhim. Defendantsinvestigatedhiseligibilitytoreceiveservicesfromthe FloridaDepartmentofVocationalRehabilitation(DVR). DVRdeterminedthatPlaintiff wastooseverelydisabledtobenefitfromservices. Defendantsqoncurred,andnotified Plaintiff of theirdecisioninaletter tohimdatedMarch27,2001.(ExhibitA). 3. Plaintiff hasthefollowingmedicalconditionswhicharedisablingand preventhimfromeffectivelyparticipatingincourtproceedings,including: a Depressionandrelatedmooddisorder. Thismedicalconditionprevents Plaintiff fromworking,meetingdeadlines, andconcentrating. Theinabilityto concentrateattimesaffectsPlaintiff'sabilitytohearandcomprehend. - .. - H Gillespie v. Barker, Rodems & Cook, l' .A., case no. OS-CA-7205 b. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), makes Plaintiff susceptible to stress, such as the ongoing harassment by Defendants' lawyer, Mr. Rodems. c. Velopharyngeallncompetence (VPI) is a speech impairment that affects Plaintiff's ability to communicate. d. The medical treatment for depression includes prescription medication that further disables Plaintiff's ability to do the work ofthis lawsuit, and further prevents him from effectively participating in the proceedings. 4. Prior to the onset of the most disabling aspects Plaintiff's medical condition(s), he was a productive member of society, a business owner for 12 years, and a graduate of both the University of Pennsylvania and The Evergreen State College. 5. On March 3, 2006, Ryan Christopher Rodems telephoned Plaintiff at his home and threatened to use information learned during Defendants prior representation against him in the instant lawsuit. Mr. Rodems' threats were twofold; to intimidate Plaintiff into dropping this lawsuit by threatening to disclose confidential client information, and to inflict emotional distress, to trigger Plaintiff's Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and inflict injury upon Plaintiff for Defendants' advantage in this lawsuit. 6. On March 6, 2006, Mr. Rodems made a false verification the Court about the March 3, 2006 telephone call. Mr. Rodems submitted Defendants' Verified Request For Bailiff And For Sanctions, and told the Court under oath that Plaintiff threatened acts of violence in Judge Nielsen's chambers. It was a stunt that backfired when a tape recording of the phone call showed that Mr. Rodems lied. Plaintiff notified the Court about Mr. Rodems' perjury in Plaintiff's Motion With Affidavit To Show Cause Why Ryan Christopher Rodems Should not Be Held In Criminal Contempt Of Court and Incorporated Memorandum Of Law submitted January 29,2007. Page - 2 of4 _. Gillespie v. Barker, Rodems & Cook: case no. 05-CA-7205 7. Mr. Rodems' harassing phone call to Plaintiff of March 3, 2006, was a tort, the Intentional Infliction o/Emotional Distress. Mr. Rodems' tort injured Plaintiff by aggravating his existing medical condition. From the time of the calIon March 3, 2006, Plaintiff suffered worsening depression for which he was treated by his doctors. a. On May 1, 2006 Plaintiffs doctor prescribed Effexor XR., a serotonin- norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), to the maximum dosage. b. Plaintiff's worsening depression, and the side affects ofthe medication, lessened Plaintiffs already diminished ability to represent himself in this lawsuit. c. On October 4, 2006 Plaintiff began the process of discontinuing his medication so that he could improve is ability to represent himself in this lawsuit. d. On or about November 18, 2006, Plaintiff discontinued the use of anti- depression medication, to improve his ability to represent himself in this lawsuit. 8. Mr. Rodems continued to harass Plaintiff during the course of this lawsuit in the following manner: a. Mr. Rodems lay-in-wait for Plaintiff outside Judge Nielsen's chambers on April 25, 2006, following a hearing, to taunt him. and provoke an altercation. b. Mr. Rodems refused to address Plaintiff as "Mr. Gillespie" but used his fIrst name, and disrespectful derivatives, against Plaintiff's expressed wishes. c. Mr. Rodems left insulting, harassing comments on Plaintiffs voice mail during his ranting message of December 13, 2006. d. Mr. Rodems wrote Plaintiff a five-page diatribe of insults and ad hominem abusive attacks on December 13,2006. 9. Plaintiff notified the Court of his inability to obtain counsel in Plaintiffs Notice o/Inability to obtain Counsel submitted February 13,2007. Page - 3 of4 Gillespie v. Barker, Rodems & Cook, .1""\., case no. 05-CA-7205 10. Plaintiff acknowledges that this ADA accommodation request is unusual, 'but so are the circumstances. Defendants in this lawsuit are Plaintiffs former lawyers, who are using Plaintiffs client confidences against him, while contemporaneously inflicting new injuries upon their former client based on his disability. WHEREFORE, Plaintiff requests additional time to obtain counsel, a stay in the proceedings for 90 days. Plaintiff also requests accommodation in the forin of additional time to meet deadlines when needed due to his disability. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED this 20 th day of February, 2007. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct .copy of the foregoing has been furnished via US Mail to Ryan C. Rodems, attorney, Barker, Rodems & Cook, P.A., 400 N Ashley Dr., Suite 2100, Tampa, FL 33602, this 20 th day o f e b ~ 2007. Page - 4 of4 - . BARKER,RODEMS &lCOOK ASSOCIA'110N A'ITURNEY::'; ATLA\V ':IIIUS I',AItl'FIl. Tr.Ir.l'hO'\l: 5IJ/18<).1001 300 West Plat.t Street, Suite 150 ':11Itl!:TllI'IIFit ROIJr:.MS F,c.illlilr. SJJ/Hitl.IOOS WII.IIAM I. Cl.'flK T'll1pn, Florid3 33606 March27,2001 Neil J. Gillespie Apartlllcllt C-2 I12\ BeachDriveNE Sf. Pdersburg,Florida33701-1434 Rc: Vocatiollal Rehabilil:nlion DearNeil: Jam cnclosingthematerial yOll provided to us. We have reviewed them und, unfortunately, we arc not in a position to representyou for any claims you may have. Pleaseunderstand that our decision docsnotmcan thatyourclaimslackmerit, andanotherattorneymightwishto representyou. If yoII wish to cOllsldtwithanotherattorney, we recommendthatyou do so immedinlelyas astatute orlilllilaliollswill apply to anyclaimsyou llIay have. As you know, astatuteoflimitationsis alegal deadline forfiling alawsuit. ThankyOll forthe opportunityto reviewyourmaterials.
William J. Cook
P.nclosl1res STATEOFFLOqlDA ) COUNTYOFHiLLSBOROUGH) THIS15TOCERTIFYTHAT THEFOREGOINGISATRUE AND (;()RMiCT0C>JII'f OF THE DOCUMENT ON FILE IN MY OFFICE. wtlHU6 MY ANO Of!'FICIAl SEAL THIS arat QAY(JF .abo.T 20/cJ v - P.T FfWIIK OF.CIRCUITCOURT ".:,.... h,,,,,''- B D. C. - EXHIBIT' 1.68 o u.s.PostalServiceTilOeliveryConfinnationTilReceipt Accessinternetwebsiteat PostageandDeliveryConfinnationfeesmustbepaidbeforemaning. ArDeleSentTo:(tobecompletedbymailer) -rk- dt<.., """'SPI tv(' .!> r 5ff1.u( e rr, 'If tl?J ;:L 33/,(77 -S-f6"J' POSTALCUSTOMER: Keepthisreceipt. ForInquiries: Postmark Here www.usps.com 8 orca.1I1-800-222-1811 ONE USEONLY) Mall Service oFirst-ClassMairparcel oP8CkageSeMcesparcel (SeeRev8r88) llPADDOCK BRANCH POST OFFICEll OCALA, Florida 344749998 1143840606 -0096 02/20/2007 (352)861-8188 03:04:54 PM Product Sales Receipt Sale Unit s final Description Qty Price Price HOUSTON TX 77027 $2.31 First-Class 8.30 oz. Issue PVI: $2.31 TAf.1PA FL 33602 $0.63 First-Class 1.10 oz. Customer Postage $0.39 Issue PVI: $0.24 TAt1PA FL 33601 $0.63 First-Class 1.10 oz. Customer Postage -$0.39 Issue PVI: $0.24 TAMPA Mail FL 33607 Priority $6.65 5 1b. 790 oz. Delivery Confirmation $0.50 Label #: 03061070000320528076 Issue PVI: $7.15 Total: $9.94 Paid by: Cash $20.00 Change Due: -$10.06 Bi11#: 1000401881296 Clerk: 07 All sales final on stamps and postage. Refunds for guaranteed services only. Thank you for your business. Customer COpy -- USPS - Track & ConfIrm Page 1 of 1 Q Track&Confirm SearchResults Label/ReceiptNumber:03061070000320528076 DetailedResults: Track&Confirm Delivered,February22, 2007,11:32am,TAMPA,FL33607 EnterLabel/ReceiptNumber. ArrivalatUnit,February22, 2007,8:11 am,TAMPA, FL33607 Acceptance,February20, 2007,3:04pm,OCALA,FL34474 Go> <Back, , Rtlfum to USPS.CDm HtHne > --. ~ _ ~ Notification Options Track&Confirmbyemail Getcurrenteventinformationorupdatesforyouritemsenttoyouorothersbyemail. : 60>
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PreservingtheTrust Copyright 1999-2004USPS. All RightsReserved. TermsofUse PrivacyPolicy http://trkcnfrml.smi.usps.com/PTSIntemetWeb/InterLabelDetail.do 2/22/2007 1 f. Neil J. Gillespie 8092 SW 11S th Loop Ocala, Florida 34481 Telephone: (352) 854-7807 email: neilgillespie@mfi.net Via US Priority Mail Delivery Confirmation No.: 0306 1070 0003 2052 8113 February 23, 2007 Kenneth Lawrence Marvin Director of Lawyer Regulation The Florida Bar 651 East Jefferson Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2300 RE: Gillespie v. Barker, Rodems & Cook, P.A., case no.: 05-CA-7205 Dear Mr. Marvin, Thank you for your letter of July 12, 2006, and the enclosed copy of Tobkin v. Jarboe, 710 So.2d 975. The information is useful in defending the libel claim brought against me by my former lawyers, who are represented by Ryan Christopher Rodems. On November 22, 2006, the trial judge in the above captioned matter recused himself over Mr. Rodems perjury to the Court. Earlier this week I made a Bar complaint about Mr. Rodems misconduct, but I am concerned that the Tampa office has pre-judged this matter. I am concerned that my complaint may not be fairly considered, given the Bar's track record of excusing Mr. Cook's misconduct. Enclosed is a copy of my letter to Susan V. Bloemendaal, Chief Branch Disciplinary Counsel of the Bar's Tampa office where I raised my concern. It appears that the Tampa office feels that because I received a $2,000.00 settlement in the Amscot lawsuit, this somehow releases the lawyers at Barker, Rodems & Cook, P.A. from observance of the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar, as well as fraud and contract law. You may recall our correspondence concerning a $5,000.00 "improper payoff attempt'" between my former lawyer and Amscot's lawyer. In March, 2005, you wrote me on behalf of Ms. Overstreet Johnson saying a complaint was needed. In March, 2006, you forwarded the complaint to the Bar's Tampa office for investigation. In response to the complaint, I received an incredible letter from Assistant Staff Counsel Troy Lovell Kenneth Lawrence Page -2 Director of Lawyer Regulation February 23, 2007 that the six year time limit for considering the complaint had expired, but arithmetic does not bear out his conclusion. The six year limitation pursuant to Rule 3-7.16 does not expire until August, 2007, which is still six months away. Also enclosed is a copy of Plaintiff's Motion for Punitive Damages Pursuant to Section 768.72 Florida Statutes, which my letter to Ms. Bloemendaal. This docuIIlent, with its fifty supporting documents (including your letter of July 12, 2006, Exhibit 48), provides the full context of my fomler lawyer's misconduct. I do not believe that the misconduct described in the motion can be explained away because of a $2,000.00 payment as Ms. Bloemendaal asserts. The misconduct of my former lawyers - from throwing coffee in the face of another lawyer during a deposition, to Mr. Rodems perjury that led to the recusal of Judge Nielsen - is so encompassing that it would be difficllit to arrange in the form of a usual Bar co:mplaint. And the tenets of Rule 3-4.3 reminej us that misconduct is not to be narrowly construed. Mr. Marvin, I appreciate your prior interest in this matter. The above captioned lawsuit is ongoing, and I am preparing an Answer and Affirmative Defenses to the libel counterclaim brought by my former lawyers for filing a Bar complaint. But I am disabled and this limits my effectiveness, and I would prefer the assistance of counsel, including for the show cause motion pending against Mr. Rodems for criminal contempt. I have been unable through the exercise of diligence to obtain counsel, and have exhausted the referrals form the Hillsborough County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service. In conclusion, how can I be assured that my complaint against Mr. Rodems will be fairly considered, given the Bar's track recor(} of excusing Mr. Cook's misconduct? And how can I obtain counsel for an admittedly difficult situation? These are my two questions to you, for which I would like a response. Thank you. Sincerely, ..-_-----.. /" ..<1 )"7 // /// / .;7 /..&.. ..... P ,/ ./ ,(tc./ Y:; ./ ,,' /1 N ,.v // ( cc: Susan V. Bloemendaal, Chief Branch Disciplinary Counsel, Tampa office enclosures o "PADDOCK BRANCH POST OFFICEII OCALA, Florida 344749998 1143840606 -0095 02/23/2007 (352)861-8188 04:06:34 PM Sales Receipt Product Description Sale Ot.y Unit Price final Price TALLAHASSEE Prior;ty '.1ai 3 lb. 9.90 fL 3 1 oz. 2399 $5.60 De1ivery Confirmation $0.50 Label #: 03061070000320528113 Issue PVI: $6.10 39c Ronald 1 $0*39 $0.39 Reagan PSA Total: $6.49 Paid by: Debit Card $6.49 Account #: XXXXXXXXXXXX5762 Approva1 #: 061323 Transaction #: 934 23 903300648 Receipt#: 010032 Order stamps at USPS.com/shop or call 1-800-Stamp24. Go to U5PS.com/cli cknship to print shipping labels with postage. For other i nformati on call 1-S00-ASK-USPS. 6;11#: 1000502371569 C1 ark: 01 All sales final on stamps and postage. Refunds for guaranteed services only. Thank you for your business. Customer Copy u.s. Postal ServiceTliDelivery Confirmation lll Receipt Postmark Here . > ...' 23 ;,,/' PS Form 152. May 2002 651 EASTJEFFERSONSTREET L '\ ---.__ ....'ft/'[\J(
tiN F.HARKNESS,JR. TALLAHASSEE,FL32399-2300 850/561-5600 EXECUnvEDIRECTOR WWW.FLORIDABAR.ORG February28,2007 Mr. NeilJ. Gillespie 8092SW IIS th Loop Ocala, FL 34481 DearMr. Gillespie: Ihave received yourletterdatedFebruary23, 2007 askingmetwo specificquestions. Thefirst is "HowcanIbeassuredthatmycomplaintagainstMr. Rodemswill befairlyconsidered?",and my answer is: Bar Counsel takes their job very seriously and it is a difficultjob. They are trained to recognize issues and analyze evidence to assist their determination as to whether a complaint should be dismissed or pursued. Bar Counsel is concerned with doing the "right thing", notpersecutinglawyersnordismissingvalidcomplaints. Yourletterdated February22, 2007 to Ms. Bloemendaal, paragraph 2 states that ". . . I understand your desire to protect a fellow lawyer." That statement is incorrect. Bar Counsel has a desire to prosecute lawyers where the facts andlawindicatethatthe lawyerhasviolatedaRuleRegulatingTheFloridaBar andtheconverseis alsotrue. Thesecondquestionis: "Howcanyouobtaincounsel...?" You state that you have tried the local Bar Association without success and I have no other good suggestion, other than to speak to other members ofthe community orperhaps try the Yellow Pages. Sincerely,
KennethLawrenceMarvin Director,LawyerRegulation KLM/mmm Icc: SusanBloemendaal PUBLIC RECORD THEFLORIDABAR MAILINGADDRESS: PHYSICALADDRESS: fOHN F.HARKNESS,JR. 5521WESTSPRUCESTREET AIRPORTMARRIOTIHOTEL 813/875-9821 EXECUTIVEDIRECTOR SUITEC-49 SUITEC-49 WWW.FLORIDABAR.ORG TAMPA,FL33607-5958 TAMPA,FL33607-5958 March7,2007 NeilGillespie 8092SWIIS th Loop Ocala,FL 34481 Re: Inquiry/ComplaintagainstRyanChristopherRodems TFBNo.2.007-11,162(13D) DearMr. Gillespie: WehavereceivedandreviewedyourcomplaintagainstRespondent. Inorderto evaluateyour complaint,weneedadditionalinformation,assetforthbelow. YouhavecomplainedthatRespondenthasmisusedconfidentialinfonnationobtainedinhisprior representationof youduringthecurrentproceedingyoubroughtagainstRespondent'sfirm. In orderforustoevaluatethisclaim,pleaseidentifywithspecificitytheinformationinquestion andthemannertheinformationwascommunicatedtohim. Also,pleasenotethatRule4- 1.6(c)(2)pennitsanattorneytorevealclientconfidencestotheextenttheattorneybelieves necessarytodefendhimself inadisputewiththeclient. Pleaserefertotherule(availableonour website)andaddresswhetherthisruleisapplicabletothesituationaboutwhichyouare complaining. YouhavecomplainedthatRespondenthasanimpermissibleconflictof interest. In your complaint,youhaveass.ertedthatRespondentshouldbedisqualifiedfromrepresentingthe Defendantsbecauseof thisconflict. PleasebeawarethatTheFloridaBarhasnoauthority regardingthedisqualificationof counselinpendingcases. IfyoubelievethatRespondentshould bedisqualified,thatissueshouldbebroughttotheattentionof thepresidingjudgethroughan appropriate motion. If the matter has been brought to the attentionof the court, please provide us withcopiesofanymotions,responses,orordersrelatedtheretoforourreview. YoualsocomplainthatRespondentpeIjuredhimself duringtheproceedingsandthatthis misconductresultedinJudgeNielsen'srecusal. Pleaseprovideacopyof themotionandorder relatedtoJudgeNielsen'srecusal. If thereisatranscriptof anyhearingonthematter,please providethattranscript,also. PUBLIC RECORD Neil Gillespie March 7, 2007 Page 2 You complain about Respondent' s f i l i ~ g of a counterclaim for libel against you, which you claim was a knowingly frivolous counterclaim. Please provide information regarding whether this claim is still pending and, if it has been resolved, copies of all documents related to the resolution. Many of the matters about which you complain appear to be matters which are the subject of the civil litigation between you and Respondent's firm. Typically, grievances which are based on the same allegations as pending civil or criminal proceedings are deferred until after the conclusion of the civil or criminal proceeding. Ifthere are reasons you believe that such a deferral would be inappropriate in this case, please advise in your response. We would appreciate a response within thirty (30) days. Please contact us if you have any questions. Sincerely, ~ t// : / . ..,.,/ ~ Troy Matthew Lovell Assistant Staff Counsel TML/emh PUBLIC RECORD S
t, o A f i ... 0", "'G THE FLORIDA BAR TAMPA OFFICE 5521 WEST SPRUCE STREET SUITE C-49 TAMPA, FL 33607-5958 Visit our website: www.FLORIDABAR.org w 017H15534459 C) 0::
$O.39Q en C:! o a.. I 03/06/2007 en Mailed From 33607 ::> Neil J. Gillespie 8092 SV'J Loop Ocala, Florida 34481 3448i $:;:;567 RCi4E: 1 11 1'1' .1 11 ' 111.111111' IIII.II.I.J 11111" I, II" I,I h\ '0 NeilJ.Gillespie 8092SW115 th Loop Ocala,Florida34481 'j ; I- ,. . r April 11,2007 TroyMatthewLovell,AssistantStaff Counsel TheFloridaBar 5521 WestSpruceStreet,C-49 Tampa,Florida33607-5958 RE: Inquiry/ComplaintagainstRyanChristopherRodems TFBNo.2007-11,162(13D) DearMr. Lovell: Thisisinresponsetoyourletterof March7,2007,requestingadditional informationtoevaluatetheabovecaptionedcomplaint. PleasetakenoticethatIrecently retainedcounselinthematterof Gillespiev.Barker,.Rodems&Cook.caseno.05-CA- 7205. IamcurrentlyrepresentedbyRobertW.Bauer,Esq.,of Gainesville,Florida. BecauseofthetimeneededtoconferWithMr.Bauerandprovidehimthecasefile inthecivillawsuit,IhavenotbeenabletorespOndtoyourrequestwithinthe30daysyou requested. HowevernowthatMr. Bauerislitigatingthecivillawsuit,Ihopetohavea responsetoyousoon,hopefullywithinaweek. Mr.Bauerdoesnotrepresentmeinmy BarcomplaintagainstMr. Rodems. OneresponsethatIcanprovidenowisthattherehasbeennosettlementregarding Mr. Rodems' libelcounterclaimovermyBarcomplaintagainstMr. Cook. WhenI movedtodismissthelibelcounterclaim,Mr. Rodemsmovedforsanctionspursuantto section57.105(1)FloridaStatutes. Mr.Rodemsisdemandingattorneys'feesthereto,and Isubsequentlyfiledananswertothelibelcounterclaim. Thematterisnowinthehands ofMr. Bauer,whoenteredhisappearancewiththeCourtonApril2,2007. PUBLIC RECORD CJ Neil J. Gillespie 8092SW 115 th Loop Ocala,Florida34481 Telephone: (352)502-8409 April 18,2007 TroyMatthewLovell,AssistantStaffCounsel TheFloridaBar 5521 WestSpruceStreet,C-49 Tampa,Florida33607-5958 RE: Inquiry/ComplaintagainstRyanChristopherRodems TFBNo. 2007-11,162(13D) DearMr. Lovell: Thisisafollow-uptomyletterofApril 11,2007,andinresponsetoyourletterof March7,2007,whereinyouaskedthefollowing: 1. Inparagraphtwoof yourletteryouaskedaboutRespondent'smisuseof confidentialinformationobtainedinhispriorrepresentationofme, anddisclosedduringthe currentproceedingIbroughtagainstRespondent'sfirm. MyresponseisthatRespondent threatenedtorevealclientconfidences,althoughhedidnotactuallydoso. Mr.Rodems' threatto revealclientconfidenceswasforthepurposeofintimidationofawitness. DuringatelephonecallonMarch3,2006,Mr. Rodemsthreatenedtoreveal confidentialinformationaboutmypaymentformedicaltreatment. Mr.Rodems' threatwas memorializedbyavoicerecordingwhichhasbeentranscribed. Youalreadyhaveacopyof thetranscriptwhichwasprovidedwithmycomplaint.(ExhibitF). AsforthemannertheinformationwascommunicatedtoMr. Rodems,helearnedit from Mr. Cook. Theinformationwasnotpublicknowledge,andwasknownonlytomy lawyers. Specifically,Mr.Rodemsthreatenedthefollowing: (relevantportion) TheFloridaBar,Tampf) o Page- 2of5 April 18,2007 "MR.RODEMS: Didn'tyouatonetimepurchaseacarsothatyoucouldgetthe cashrebatetogetsomedentalworkdone? We'regoingtogettothediscovery, anyhow,sojusttellme,didthatreallyhappen? MR. GILLESPIE: What? MR. RODEMS: Didyoupurchaseacarsothatyoucouldgetthecashrebateto getsomedentalworkdone? MR. GILLESPIE: Listen,thisiswhyyouneedtobedisqualified. MR. RODEMS: No,Imean,that's-- becauseIknowthat? BecauseIknowthat tobeafact? MR. GILLESPIE: Youknowittobeafactfromyourpreviousrepresentationof me. MR.RODEMS: Well,youknow, seethat's- MR. GILLESPIE: Ifitis-- ifit'safact, anyway. MR. RODEMS: YouneedtostudytherulesandregulationsoftheFloridaBar becausewhenyoumake- MR. GILLESPIE: Ithink,IthinkIboughtacarsoIwouldhavesomethingto drive. Idon'tknowwhyyoubuycars,butthat'swhyIboughtit. MR. RODEMS: Well- MR. GILLESPIE: Ifithadsomeotherbenefits,that'sdifferent. MR. RODEMS: Iunderstandthatcarwasrepossessedshortlyafteryouboughtit so- MR. GILLESPIE: No, itwasn'trepossessed. MR. RODEMS: Okay. Well,thenyoucanprobablydrivethatdowntothe hearingthenonthe28th. MR. GILLESPIE: No,itwasvoluntarilyturnedinbecauseafter911 attackthe jobthatIwasindriedup...." 2. ConcerningyourquestionaboutRespondent'simpermissibleconflictof interest,andmyassertionthatheshouldbedisqualifiedfromrepresentingtheDefendants becauseofthisconflict,IassumeyouarecorrectwhenyouwrotethatTheFloridaBar The Florida Bar, Tampf.) o Page - 3 of5 April 18, 2007 has no authority regarding the disqualification of counsel in pending cases. As such, kindly limit your inquiry to Respondent's impermissible conflict of interest. As I understand your letter, The Florida Bar has no jurisdiction to make a determination on disqualification, so it would be inappropriate for The Florida bar to consider the matter of disqualification. But Respondent's current, ongoing, impermissible conflict of interest representing the Defendants in the civil litigation against me is within the jurisdiction of The Florida Bar, and the Bar is obligated to investigate his impermissible conflict. Nonetheless, my motion to disqualify Mr. Rodems in the civil litigation was denied. In my view the denial was based on a delay in bringing the motion, not on the substance of the impermissible conflict l . But since The Florida Bar has no jurisdiction to make a determination on disqualification, it would be improper for the Bar to consider the ruling. I am complaining about Respondent's impermissible conflict of interest, not whether or not he should be disqualified. 3. Concerning Mr. Rodems' perjury before the court, you asked for a copy of the motion and order related to Judge Nielsen's recusal. I am happy to comply with your request, and the following is enclosed: a. Plaintiffs Motion to Disqualify Judge, and Memorandum of Law; b. Order Denying Plaintiffs Motion To Disqualify Judge; c. Order of Recusal (on Judge Nielsen's own motion). You also asked for a transcript of any hearing on the matter. My response is that Judge Nielsen did not have a hearing on this matter. Judge Nielsen initially ruled that my motion was not timely filed. Then two days later the Judge recused himself on his own motion, presumably on the merits of my motion that Mr. Rodems perjured himself. 4. You asked about Respondent's filing of a counterclaim for libel against me, and to provide information regarding whether this claim is still pending and, if it has been resolved, copies of all documents related to the resolution. I already responded to this question last week, in my letter to you dated April 11,2007. This is what I wrote you concerning the counterclaim: "One response that I can provide now is that there has been no settlement regarding Mr. Rodems' libel counterclaim over my Bar complaint against Mr. Cook. When I moved to dismiss the libel counterclaim, Mr. Rodems moved for sanctions pursuant to section 57.105(1) Florida Statutes. Mr. Rodems is demanding attorneys' fees thereto, and I subsequently filed an answer to the libel counterclaim. The matter is now in the hands ofMr. Bauer, who entered his appearance with the Court on April 2, 2007." In addition, in Florida judges generally pander to attorneys in the hope of receiving future campaign contributions and political support, and favor attorneys over pro se litigants, especially when the attorney is a defendant, and where Mr. Rodems filed a false affidavit to prejudice the court against me. I The Florida Bar, TampP o Page - 4 of5 April 18, 2007 As of today Defendants' counterclaim for libel is still pending against me. 5. Finally Mr. Lovell, you made the following assertion in an attempt to defer my grievance because the allegations are the same as in pending civil litigation. This is what you wrote: "Many of the matters about which you complain appear to be matter which are the subject of the civil litigation between you and Respondent's firm. Typically, grievances which are based on the same allegations as pending civil or criminal proceedings are deferred until after the conclusion of the civil or criminal proceeding. If there are reasons you believe that such a deferral would be inappropriate in this case, please advise in your response." (Lovell, March 7, 2007, p2, ~ 2 Mr. Lovell, my response is that your assertion is not correct. Grievances are not typically deferred until after the conclusion of contemporaneous civil or criminal proceedings. Specifically, Rule 3-7.4, Grievance Committee Procedures, states: Rule 3-7.4(e) No Delay for Civil or Criminal Proceedings. An investigation shall not be deferred or suspended without the approval of the board even though the respondent is made a party to civil litigation or is a defendant or is acquitted in a criminal action, notwithstanding that either of such proceedings involves the subject matter of the investigation. Mr. Lovell, unless you can provide evidence that the board has approved a deferral or suspension pursuant to Rule 3-7.4(e), I view your unilateral effort to defer my grievance as obstruction of a bar complaint, and as an effort to help your fellow colleagues Mr. Rodems and his law partners. Contrary to your assertion that this grievance should be deferred, Rule 3-74(e) provides otherwise. Mr. Lovell, why are you unilaterally obstructing my grievance contrary to the rule of law? Mr. Lovell, this is not the first time you have improperly tried to obstruct my grievance against Mr. Cook and his cohorts. In your letter to me dated April 18, 2006, concerning a bar complaint about a $5,000.00 "improper payoff attempt" Mr. Cook received from opposing counsel, you wrote: "In addition, we note that the conduct in question occurred in 2001. The Florida Bar has jurisdiction to consider complaints filed up to six (6) years after the conduct in question. Thus, even if we were to conclude that failing to file a grievance constituted a violation of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, we would be unable to conclude that he failed in his duty before the time period for filing had expired." (Lovell, April 18, 2006, pI, 5 The Florida Bar, TampP o Page - 5 of5 April 18, 2007 Mr. Lovell, it appears you are referring to bar Rule 3-7.16, Limitations on Time to Bring Complaint. It also appears you are wrong, and the information you provided was incorrect, because the six year time period had not expired at the time of your April 18, 2006 letter. In fact, as of today the six year time period has not yet expired, and the time does not expire until August, 2007, which is still four months away. At the time of your letter, only years had passed, allowing another 1Y:z years for The Florida Bar to conclude that Mr. Cook failed in his duty to report the $5,000.00 "improper payoff attempt". Mr. Lovell, in addition to the two preceding examples of improperly invoked procedural obstacles to my bar complaints, your pervious letters to me have asserted facts not in the record, and have attributed statements to me that I did not make. As such, the objective evidence of your numerous false or inaccurate assertions calls into question whether or not you take my complaints seriously, and prompts the following queries: 1. Mr. Lovell, did you willfully provide false, incorrect, or misleading information relative to bar Rule 3-7.16, Limitations on Time to Bring Complaint, in your letter to me of April 18, 2006, to help your colleague Mr. Cook evade discipline? 2. Are you currently providing false information relative to bar Rule 3-7A(e), No Delayfor Civil or Criminal Proceedings, specifically your present claim that grievances which are based on the same allegations as pending civil or criminal proceedings are deferred until after the conclusion of the civil or criminal proceeding? 3. Mr. Lovell, is your behavior willfully calculated to obstruct justice, and the grievance procedures of The Florida Bar? Or do your numerous false or incorrect assertions result from your ignorance of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar? Mr. Lovell, kindly answer the above so I know how to proceed with this matter. At this time I believe I have answered all your questions, and provided the items you requested. Kindly contact me if you have additional questions or need anything else. It is my intent to fully cooperate with The Florida Bar and its grievance process. enclosures Q THEFLORIDABAR MAILINGADDRESS: PHYSICALADDRESS: JOHNF.HARKNESS,JR. 5521 WESTSPRUCESTREET AIRPORTMARRIOlTHOTEL 813/875-9821 EXECUTIVEDIRECTOR SUITEC-49 SUITEC-49 www.FLABAR.ORG TAMPA,FL33607-5958 TAMPA,FL33607-5958 May15,2007 NeilGillespie 8092SWII5thLoop Ocala,Florida 34481 RE: Inquiry/ComplaintregardingRyanChristopherRodems TFBNo.2007-11,162(13D) DearMr. Gillespie: Wehavereviewedyourcomplaintagainsttheabove-referencedattorneyandsupporting documentation. Basedonourreviewof thesematerials,wehaveconcludedthatno further proceedingsarewarrantedinthismatterandwillbeclosingourfile. Respondentisamemberof yourfonnerlawfinnandisdefendingthatlawfinnincivillitigation broughtbyyou. YouallegedthatRespondenthasengagedusedconfidentialinformationagainst youbasedonthepriorrepresentation. OnMarch7,2007,werequestedadditionalinfonnation regardingtheseallegationsinorderforusto evaluateyourgrievance. Todate,wehavereceived noadditionalinfonnation. Intheabsenceof specificallegationsandsupportingevidence,we havenobasisfor u r t ~ r proceedings. Accordingly,ourfileinthismatterisnowclosed. TherecordsregardingthisInquiry/Complaint willbedestroyedone(1) yearfromtoday. Ourdispositionof yourcomplainthasno effecton anylegalremedythatyoumayhave. Sincerely, ~ ~ TroyMatthewLovell AssistantStaff Counsel TML/emh cc: RyanChristopherRodems PUBLIC RECORD
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