Maintaining public trust in the legal profession requires strict adherence to the rules of diligence and honesty. When an attorney repeatedly fails to communicate or misrepresents the status of cases to their clients, the Florida Supreme Court intervenes with significant disciplinary measures. For Atlantic Beach attorney Kelly Brook Hampton (Florida Bar No. 763071), a pattern of misconduct across multiple client matters has resulted in a two-year suspension.
Effective January 15, 2026, the Florida Supreme Court issued an order (Case No. SC2025-0661) suspending Hampton for two years and ordering significant restitution to former clients.
The Core Misconduct: Misrepresentation and Neglect
The disciplinary action followed a referee’s report detailing five separate counts of misconduct. The Florida Bar investigation revealed a troubling pattern of behavior that severely prejudiced his clients’ interests:
1. Fraudulent Adoption Hearing
In a particularly egregious matter involving an adoption case, Hampton reportedly told his clients that a final hearing was being conducted via Zoom. He claimed he could hear the judge and told the clients their part was “finished,” yet he never provided a case number or final judgment. Investigations later revealed no such hearing had occurred.
2. Lack of Diligence and Communication
Across several other matters, including criminal defense and child custody modifications, Hampton:
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Failed to file pleadings or motions to suppress evidence after telling clients he would do so.
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Ceased communication with clients after accepting flat fees or retainers.
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Ignored official inquiries from the Florida Bar during their investigative process.
A History of Disciplinary Interventions
Kelly Brook Hampton has been licensed in Florida since 2004, but his professional standing has been marked by prior disciplinary issues:
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May 2015: Suspended for 60 days following a trust account audit that revealed technical violations and negligent bookkeeping.
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February 2017: Received a Public Reprimand with conditions.
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January 2026: Finalized two-year suspension after being found guilty of violating several Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, including those governing honesty and communication.
Terms of the Two-Year Suspension
Because a suspension of more than 90 days is “rehabilitative,” Hampton cannot return to practice automatically after two years. His reinstatement is subject to strict conditions:
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Restitution: He was ordered to pay $4,500 to one client and $2,250 to another within 180 days. Failure to comply makes him “delinquent” and ineligible to practice even after the suspension period.
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Prove Rehabilitation: Before regaining his license, Hampton must undergo a rigorous background check and prove his rehabilitation before a referee and the Florida Bar.
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Winding Down Practice: The court gave Hampton 30 days from the January 15 order to close his practice and safeguard the interests of his remaining clients.
Conclusion: Accountability in Northeast Florida
The suspension of Kelly Brook Hampton serves as a vital measure of public protection for the Jacksonville and Atlantic Beach legal communities. By imposing a multi-year suspension for misrepresentation and neglect, the Florida Supreme Court reinforces that an attorney’s primary duty is to their client’s trust. For those seeking to verify an attorney’s current standing, the Florida Bar Member Search remains the authoritative resource.
