Florida Supreme Court Disbars Attorney Jeffrey Siskind for Financial Misconduct
The ruling follows a case involving the misuse of millions in client funds, including those belonging to a notable figure in the prescription drug industry.
TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Supreme Court has permanently disbarred lawyer Jeffrey Siskind of Wellington for misappropriating millions of dollars from clients, including Chris George, a prominent figure in the prescription drug network sector.
This decision, made public recently, stems from a complaint filed against Siskind by the Florida Bar, which regulates the legal profession in the state.
In 2013, George, who was serving an 11-year prison sentence for operating one of the largest prescription drug networks in the United States with his twin brother, hired Siskind to manage and protect $2 million in assets.
The Florida Bar's complaint alleges that Siskind misappropriated these funds shortly after their deposit into his trust account.
Within a matter of days, Siskind allegedly transferred the majority of the money to Sovereign Gaming & Entertainment LLC, a company owned by his disbarred father, and used client funds for his personal expenses.
Detailed records from the complaint outline a series of transactions executed within 15 days, including payments for luxury expenses: $1 million for an office suite at Trump Plaza, $12,857 for membership dues at Mar-a-Lago Club, $70,000 to the Ocean Reef Club, as well as $50,000 towards home remodeling.
Although Siskind provided promissory notes asserting that George had willingly loaned the funds to the entertainment company, the Florida Bar contested their authenticity, pointing out discrepancies in the signatures and alleging the documents were backdated.
Broward County Judge John Hurley characterized Siskind's assertions as lacking credibility, recommending his disbarment to the Florida Supreme Court to avoid establishing a dangerous precedent in the legal profession.
In a separate allegation, Siskind was accused of taking $500,000 from longtime client Frederick Volkwein, who had hired him to facilitate a real estate exchange meant to allow tax deferral on property sales.
It is claimed that Siskind redirected Volkwein's $1.2 million in sale proceeds into a company he controlled without informing Volkwein of his financial stake in the transaction.
Siskind's testimony during hearings in late 2023 and early 2024 was criticized as vague and misleading, with the judge stating that he often failed to address substantial allegations against him.
Siskind, who ran as a no-party candidate for Florida Attorney General in 2018, will now be barred from legal practice in the state.
He is required to complete any remaining legal obligations within 30 days unless he opts for immediate disbarment.
Siskind has the right to seek a rehearing on the matter, although the Florida Supreme Court stated that such a filing would not suspend the disbarment.
His spouse, Tanya Siskind, serves on the Wellington Village Council.
The Florida Bar's allegations and subsequent findings underline concerns regarding client fund management and the responsibilities of legal professionals to maintain integrity in their practice.
This decision, made public recently, stems from a complaint filed against Siskind by the Florida Bar, which regulates the legal profession in the state.
In 2013, George, who was serving an 11-year prison sentence for operating one of the largest prescription drug networks in the United States with his twin brother, hired Siskind to manage and protect $2 million in assets.
The Florida Bar's complaint alleges that Siskind misappropriated these funds shortly after their deposit into his trust account.
Within a matter of days, Siskind allegedly transferred the majority of the money to Sovereign Gaming & Entertainment LLC, a company owned by his disbarred father, and used client funds for his personal expenses.
Detailed records from the complaint outline a series of transactions executed within 15 days, including payments for luxury expenses: $1 million for an office suite at Trump Plaza, $12,857 for membership dues at Mar-a-Lago Club, $70,000 to the Ocean Reef Club, as well as $50,000 towards home remodeling.
Although Siskind provided promissory notes asserting that George had willingly loaned the funds to the entertainment company, the Florida Bar contested their authenticity, pointing out discrepancies in the signatures and alleging the documents were backdated.
Broward County Judge John Hurley characterized Siskind's assertions as lacking credibility, recommending his disbarment to the Florida Supreme Court to avoid establishing a dangerous precedent in the legal profession.
In a separate allegation, Siskind was accused of taking $500,000 from longtime client Frederick Volkwein, who had hired him to facilitate a real estate exchange meant to allow tax deferral on property sales.
It is claimed that Siskind redirected Volkwein's $1.2 million in sale proceeds into a company he controlled without informing Volkwein of his financial stake in the transaction.
Siskind's testimony during hearings in late 2023 and early 2024 was criticized as vague and misleading, with the judge stating that he often failed to address substantial allegations against him.
Siskind, who ran as a no-party candidate for Florida Attorney General in 2018, will now be barred from legal practice in the state.
He is required to complete any remaining legal obligations within 30 days unless he opts for immediate disbarment.
Siskind has the right to seek a rehearing on the matter, although the Florida Supreme Court stated that such a filing would not suspend the disbarment.
His spouse, Tanya Siskind, serves on the Wellington Village Council.
The Florida Bar's allegations and subsequent findings underline concerns regarding client fund management and the responsibilities of legal professionals to maintain integrity in their practice.
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