The duty of an attorney to handle client funds with absolute transparency is the bedrock of the legal profession. When that trust is betrayed through the misappropriation of funds, the Florida Supreme Court takes the most severe disciplinary action possible. For Wellington-based attorney Jeffrey Marc Siskind (Florida Bar No. 138746), a pattern of financial misconduct involving millions of dollars has resulted in permanent disbarment.
Effective March 13, 2025, the Supreme Court of Florida finalized the order disbarring Siskind, following a lengthy and contentious disciplinary process.
The Core Misconduct: Misappropriation of Millions
The disciplinary action (Case No. SC2023-0566) followed an investigation into the “Siskind Family Office” and Siskind’s various legal and business entities. The Florida Bar findings established a catastrophic breach of professional ethics:
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Theft from Clients: Siskind was found to have misappropriated “large sums of money” (estimated in the millions) from multiple clients.
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Investment Fraud Allegations: Grievances indicated that funds were misdirected from client investments, including high-stakes real estate and cannabis-license applications.
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Lack of Accountability: Siskind failed to provide an accurate accounting of the missing funds and initially challenged the proceedings by claiming a lack of due process.
A Decisive Disciplinary Timeline
Jeffrey Marc Siskind had been a member of the Florida Bar since 1998, but his career was brought to a definitive halt in early 2025:
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April 2023: The Florida Bar filed a formal complaint following several years of investigating financial irregularities.
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February 11, 2025: The Florida Supreme Court issued the Order of Disbarment, finding Siskind’s conduct incompatible with the standards of the legal community.
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March 18, 2025: The Court denied Siskind’s “Verified Motion to Rehear,” solidifying the decision as final.
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May 7, 2025: The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida issued an order of reciprocal disbarment, banning Siskind from practicing in federal court as well.
Professional Impact and Restitution
A permanent disbarment in Florida is the ultimate sanction. Unlike a suspension, Siskind cannot re-apply for admission for at least five years, and the nature of the misconduct makes readmission highly unlikely.
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Mandatory Compliance: Siskind was ordered to fully comply with Rule 3-5.1(h), requiring him to notify all clients, co-counsel, and opposing counsel of his disbarment.
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Federal Impact: Following the state disbarment, his status in federal jurisdictions was immediately terminated.
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Client Protection Fund: Any clients who suffered financial losses due to Siskind’s actions may be eligible for reimbursement through the Florida Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection, though the Bar often seeks to recover these costs from the disbarred attorney.
Conclusion: Protecting the Wellington Community
The disbarment of Jeffrey Marc Siskind serves as a vital safeguard for the residents of Wellington and Palm Beach County. By removing an attorney who intentionally misdirected client assets, the judiciary reinforces that the rules regarding trust accounts are absolute. For anyone seeking to verify the current status of a Florida lawyer, the Florida Bar Member Search remains the most reliable first step.
