Case Name: Tracy O. LAHTI, Appellant, v. Florence Jo PORN, Appellee
Court: Florida District Court of Appeal
Jurisdiction: Florida
Decision Date: 1993-09-15
Citations: 624 So. 2d 765
Docket Number: No. 91-2295
Parties: Tracy O. LAHTI, Appellant, v. Florence Jo PORN, Appellee.
Judges: WARNER, J., concurring specially with opinion.
Reporter: Southern Reporter, Second Series
Volume: 624
Pages: 765–770

Head Matter:
Tracy O. LAHTI, Appellant, v. Florence Jo PORN, Appellee.
No. 91-2295.
District Court of Appeal of Florida, Fourth District.
Sept. 15, 1993.
Robert Alan Rosenblatt of the Law Offices of Robert Alan Rosenblatt, P.A., Miami, for appellant.
K. Stuart Goldberg of the Law Offices of K. Stuart Goldberg, West Palm Beach, for appellee.

Opinion:
ROSS, Associate Judge.
This is an appeal from the trial court's order dismissing appellant's complaint with prejudice for the failure of plaintiffs counsel to attend the docket call and to fully comply with the court's pretrial order. The trial court found appellant's counsel failed to prepare a pretrial stipulation, timely file witness and exhibit lists, and, attend the calendar call. The trial court's order setting the cause for jury trial specified: "Attendance at calendar call is mandatory. Failure to attend may result in the dismissal of this action, the entry of a default or other appropriate sanctions."
Because appellant had previously voluntarily dismissed the same claim, the trial court entered an order dismissing appellant's case with prejudice. However, the trial court failed to a make specific finding that appellant counsel's failure to comply with the pretrial order was willful or that appellant counsel's failures resulted in any prejudice to appellee. Dismissal of a case should be used sparingly and reserved to those instances where the conduct is willful. Kelley v. Schmidt, 613 So.2d 918 (Fla. 5th DCA 1993).
Appellant argues, and we agree, under the circumstances the trial court abused its discretion in dismissing this ease with prejudice. Dismissal of an action is a drastic remedy which should be used only in extreme situations and upon a showing of deliberate and willful disregard for the trial court's order. World on Wheels of Miami, Inc. v. Int'l Auto Workers, Inc., 569 So.2d 836 (Fla. 3d DCA 1990).
In reviewing the trial court's order of dismissal, this court must weigh the severity and prejudicial effects of counsel's actions against the loss to appellant of her cause of action. Livingston v. Dept. of Corrections, 481 So.2d 2 (Fla. 1st DCA 1985). In the present case, the record reflects appellant's counsel provided the trial court with an explanation for his failure to appear at the scheduling conference. The trial court has many alternatives to secure proper respect for and compliance with its orders including the imposition of costs or attorney's fees. The failure of appellant's counsel to attend the scheduling conference should not serve as a basis upon which to punish the appellant. Travelers Ins. Co. v. Rodriquez, 357 So.2d 464 (Fla. 2d DCA 1978).
Appellee argues Sienkiewicz v. Aqua Lift, Inc., 586 So.2d 92 (Fla. 4th DCA 1991), compels dismissal of an action for failure to attend the calendar call where the pretrial order states in "unequivocal fashion that failure to attend calendar call could result in the entry of a default or the striking of a party's pleadings ." Id. at 93. However, the appellant in Sienkiewicz was not represented by an attorney. Where a pro se litigant does not abide by the court's orders, it is logical that he or she should suffer the consequences.
Many trial judges, trial attorneys, as well as the writer empathize with the compelling dissenting opinion written by Judge Stone. Trial judges find it difficult to manage and dispose of their increasing caseloads. Conscientious trial attorneys are also frustrated when forced to confront an adversary who fails to devote the time and effort required to represent their client in a professional manner. Although the trial court's decision is understandable, we hold that dismissal of appellant's claim with prejudice was error.
Upon remand, if the trial court intends to impose sanctions upon appellant's counsel, appellant's counsel should be given an opportunity to appear before the court to "explain the violation or present any evidence in mitigation." Insua v. World Air, Inc., 582 So.2d 102, 104 (Fla. 2d DCA 1991).
REVERSED AND REMANDED
WARNER, J., concurring specially with opinion.
STONE, J., dissenting with opinion.