Florida Investigating Attorney Charged with Lawsuit Fraud

The Florida Bar has opened an investigation of a New York lawyer who it says may have been practicing in Florida without a license.

The Bar’s investigation of Stuart Finkelstein stems from federal charges this week alleging that he filed 300 unauthorized lawsuits in Florida and New York.

Prosecutors say he falsely accused businesses of violating laws protecting people with disabilities and allegedly collected nearly $1 million in legal fees.

Bar spokeswoman Francine Walker said that Florida does not have reciprocal licensing agreements with other states and Finkelstein is not authorized to practice in the state. She said the Bar could charge him with a felony.

Finkelstein did not immediately return a call to his New York office seeking comment.