The relationship between an attorney and their client is built on a foundation of communication and diligence. When a lawyer fails to appear for hearings or abandons a client during critical legal proceedings, the judicial system must act to preserve the integrity of the bar. For Tallahassee-based attorney William Gautier Kitchen (Florida Bar No. 689793), a pattern of professional neglect has resulted in a recent court-ordered suspension.
Effective February 21, 2026 (30 days following a January 22 court order), the Supreme Court of Florida suspended Kitchen from the practice of law for 60 days.
The Core Misconduct: Client Abandonment and Neglect
The disciplinary action (Case No. SC2025-0775) followed two distinct complaints involving a failure to meet basic professional obligations. The and a court-appointed referee identified several key violations:
1. The Bankruptcy Case Neglect
In a 2023 Chapter 7 bankruptcy matter, Kitchen was found to have effectively abandoned his client. According to the referee’s report:
-
Missed Appearances: Kitchen failed to attend the initial meeting of creditors and a subsequent continued meeting.
-
Failure to Respond: He ignored inquiries from the U.S. Trustee’s office and failed to file a response to a motion to dismiss the bankruptcy case.
-
Contempt of Court: A bankruptcy judge eventually held Kitchen in contempt for failing to satisfy an “Order to Show Cause” regarding his repeated absences and lack of communication.
2. Lack of Communication in Whistleblower Suit
A second complaint involved Kitchen’s role as co-counsel in a discrimination and whistleblower lawsuit. The referee determined that Kitchen failed to adequately communicate with his client regarding the status and progression of the whistleblower claim.
Professional Background and Consent Judgment
William Gautier Kitchen has been a licensed member of the Florida Bar since 2003. An alumnus of the Samford University – Cumberland School of Law, he has practiced in Tallahassee for over two decades, focusing primarily on labor, employment, and bankruptcy law.
The 60-day suspension was the result of a Conditional Guilty Plea for Consent Judgment, in which Kitchen admitted to violating several Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, including:
-
Rule 4-1.1: Competence
-
Rule 4-1.3: Diligence
-
Rule 4-1.4: Communication
-
Rule 4-5.3: Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer Assistants (Supervision)
Requirements of the 2026 Suspension Order
While a 60-day suspension is “non-rehabilitative” (allowing for automatic reinstatement after the period ends), the Court imposed several strict conditions Kitchen must meet:
-
Professionalism Workshop: Kitchen is required to attend a Professionalism Workshop scheduled by the Florida Bar within six months of the order.
-
Notification Requirements: Under Rule 3-5.1(h), he must provide a sworn affidavit to the Bar confirming he has notified all clients, co-counsel, and opposing counsel of his suspension.
-
Financial Costs: He was ordered to pay $1,767.30 in disciplinary and investigative costs to the Florida Bar.
-
Cease Practice: During the 60-day window, he is strictly prohibited from accepting new clients or initiating new litigation.
Conclusion: A Reminder of Supervisory Duties
The case of William Gautier Kitchen highlights a critical aspect of legal ethics: attorneys are responsible not only for their own actions but for the proper supervision of their staff. By holding an attorney accountable for “ignoring court rules and abandoning a client,” the ensures that the public can rely on the diligence of their legal representatives. For those verifying the current status of a Florida attorney, the remains the most accurate resource.
