Opinion ID: 1734452
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Forum Shopping

Text: The referee found that less than one month after the Lewis and Martin state litigation was filed, Klein filed an almost identical legal action in state court against Lewis and Martin without disclosing the existence of the already pending Lewis and Martin state litigation. The referee concluded that Klein was shopping for a more favorable forum, and found that Klein had violated rule 4-8.4(d) (conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice). Klein argues that the referee erred in basing this finding on a circuit court administrative order that was inapplicable. Although the administrative order relied on in part by the referee was inapplicable, there is competent substantial evidence to support the referee's finding as to the rule violation. The order dismissing the Westwood HOA's action against Lewis and Martin indicated that [n]one of these three counts alleged in this lawsuit stated a cause of action independent and separate from [the Lewis and Martin state litigation]. The case was dismissed without prejudice to filing the claims either as an affirmative defense or as a counterclaim in the original lawsuit. This dismissal provides competent substantial evidence to support the referee's finding that Klein was seeking a more favorable forum in which to litigate, despite the pendency of an almost identical case. We therefore approve the referee's findings as to this issue.