In Re: Sean Conway, File No. 2007-51308(17B) (Fla. Bar 2007) (attorney discipline proceeding),

Status: Public reprimand issued, Florida Bar v. Conway, No. SC08-326 (Oct. 29, 2008).

The Florida Bar began a disciplinary investigation of attorney Sean Conway for comments he posted on the JAA blog (jaablog.jaablaw.com), part of the web site of the Justice Association of Broward [County], a group of criminal defense attorneys. The comments questioned the courtroom procedures of Broward Circuit Judge Cheryl Aleman, and called her an "evil, unfair witch" who is "seemingly mentally ill.”

Florida’s rules of professional conduct bar attorneys from impugning a judge’s qualifications or integrity.

Conway and the Bar had agreed to a public reprimand in the case. The Florida Supreme Court asked for briefing on whether Conway’s comments were protected by the First Amendment, but then issued the reprimand.

Links and Court Documents:

A Legal Battle: Online Attitude vs. Rules of the Bar
Should Lawyer Be Disbarred For Harsh Criticism Of a Judge
Attorney Argues His 'Witch' Comments About Judge Are Protected Speech
IT'S ON: CONWAY V. FLORIDA BAR
>> Fla. Bar investigative file
>> Supreme Court docket

Thompson v. Gelin, No.___ (Fla. Bar complaint filed Oct. 31, 2008).

Status: No action taken

Recently disbarred attorney Jack Thompson filed a complaint with the Florida bar against attorney William Gelin, publisher of the JAABlog (http://jaablog.jaablaw.com/), alleging that the site “traffics in rumors, gossip, and scandal about members of the legal community.” A letter of inquiry was sent to Gelin on December 5, 2008, but no further action has been taken.

Links and Court Documents:

http://www.citmedialaw.org/threats/thompson-v-gelin

http://justicebuilding.blogspot.com/2008/12/norm-kent-defends-bill-gelin.html