Florida Supreme Court Suspends Attorney Chuck Farah

Farah, a Jacksonville lawyer, is suspended for 90 days over mishandling a large volume of 2008 tobacco lawsuits.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Financial Crime

Florida Supreme Court Suspends Attorney Chuck Farah

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The Florida Supreme Court ordered a 90-day suspension of Chuck Farah from practicing law on October 1, with the suspension delayed 30 days to allow management of existing cases. The ruling follows a referee's recommendation and concerns tobacco lawsuits filed in 2008.

Why it matters

Federal judges concluded at least 1,250 of the 2008-vintage tobacco cases were frivolous, and some involved people who never smoked or did not authorize representation. The discipline underscores accountability for mass-filed litigation handled by Florida attorneys.

The Florida Supreme Court ordered a 90-day suspension of Farah, with the effective date delayed 30 days, after a referee recommended a 30-day suspension. Co-counsel Norwood Wilner was previously suspended for 91 days, and the extraction does not indicate any pending appeal.

The players

Chuck Farah

A Jacksonville attorney and partner at Farah & Farah, practicing since 1990 with no prior disciplinary record.

Norwood Wilner

A co-counsel on the tobacco lawsuits who was previously suspended from practicing law for 91 days.

Christopher Kelly

A Volusia County circuit judge who served as the referee in the disciplinary proceedings against Farah.

The details

Farah and Wilner were co-counsels on tobacco lawsuits filed in 2008, and Farah acknowledged problems communicating adequately with clients, providing diligent representation, and obtaining written contingency agreements. A circuit judge found no dishonest or selfish motive, and no client filed a complaint or alleged misappropriation of funds.

2008: Tobacco lawsuits filed that were later deemed frivolous.
2017: The Times-Union reported federal judges' findings on the cases.
2025: A referee report recommended a 30-day suspension.
October 1, 2026: The Florida Supreme Court ordered the 90-day suspension.

Legal Context

The suspensions of Farah and Wilner follow federal judges' conclusion that at least 1,250 of the 2008 tobacco cases were frivolous, a finding that has driven scrutiny of mass-filed litigation in Florida courts. The discipline shows state bar enforcement reaching attorneys whose practices produced those filings.

Clients of Farah & Farah and others with cases tied to the 2008 tobacco filings may see changes in representation as the firm transitions cases during the 30-day wind-down period. Florida residents who previously hired these attorneys should review their case status with the firm or the court.

The takeaway

Attorneys handling mass-filed litigation remain accountable for client communication, written contingency agreements, and ensuring every filing has an authorized client. Clients should confirm their representation and case status directly with their attorney.