The legal profession requires a dedicated commitment to diligence, communication, and the active progression of client matters. When an attorney repeatedly fails to meet these standards, the Florida Supreme Court intervenes to protect the public interest. For Davie-based attorney Dawn M. Aufenanger (Florida Bar No. 656011), a pattern of professional neglect has led to a significant one-year suspension.
Effective January 22, 2026, the Florida Supreme Court issued an order (Case No. SC2025-1539) suspending Aufenanger for one year, beginning 30 days after the ruling.
The Core Misconduct: Neglect and Communication Failures
The disciplinary action against Dawn M. Aufenanger followed an investigation into several client matters where professional standards were not met. According to the Florida Bar’s disciplinary reports, the primary findings included:
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Case Neglect: Aufenanger failed to act with reasonable diligence in progressing multiple clients’ legal cases, leading to unnecessary delays and potential prejudice to their legal interests.
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Failure to Inform: Clients reported being left in the dark regarding the status of their proceedings. Aufenanger failed to keep her clients reasonably informed or respond to their requests for information.
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Consent Judgment: The suspension was part of a Conditional Guilty Plea for Consent Judgment, in which Aufenanger admitted to the misconduct in exchange for the specified disciplinary measures.
Professional Background and Prior Record
Dawn M. Aufenanger has been a licensed member of the Florida Bar since 2003, practicing primarily in the areas of intellectual property, business, and contracts. For much of her career, she operated as a principal attorney in Coral Springs and Davie.
While she has over 20 years of experience, her status as of February 2026 is listed as “Not Eligible to Practice Law in Florida” due to the current suspension. This disciplinary action serves as a corrective measure intended to ensure that any future practice meets the rigorous ethical requirements of the state.
Requirements for Reinstatement
Because a one-year suspension is “rehabilitative” (any suspension over 90 days), Aufenanger cannot simply return to practice once the year has passed. To regain her license, she must:
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Prove Rehabilitation: She must undergo a formal reinstatement process, proving by clear and convincing evidence that she has been rehabilitated and is fit to resume the practice of law.
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Restitution: As part of her consent judgment, she was ordered to pay restitution to specific former clients—including $1,800.00 to one complaining witness—to cover unearned fees.
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Fee Arbitration: She is required to participate in the Florida Bar’s Fee Arbitration Program to resolve disputes with other former clients.
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Disciplinary Costs: She was ordered to pay the administrative costs associated with the Bar’s investigation, totaling several thousand dollars.
Conclusion: A Commitment to Public Safety
The suspension of Dawn M. Aufenanger underscores the Florida Supreme Court’s stance that professional experience does not excuse a lack of diligence. For residents in Broward County and the surrounding areas, this action reinforces the importance of the Florida Bar Member Search as a tool to verify the current standing and disciplinary history of any legal representative.
