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Joseph Corsmeier represents attorneys in all matters concerning the Florida Bar and/or the Florida Board of Bar Examiners. He has numerous years of experience representing lawyers and applicants alike and will strive to help you understand the process to contribute a more effective strategy. Mr. Corsmeier is an expert in his field and will remain steadfast in representation.

Whether it is your first application to the Florida Bar or are defending a reprimand or worse, Mr. Corsmeier offers representation for every phase of the process. His expertise also includes office management and law firm ethics, in which he will create a custom plan designed specifically to minimize or reduce further risks to you, your license, or your firm.

If you have not yet submitted an application for admission due to a concern about previous criminal charges, plagiarism, or other matter, Mr. Corsmeier will assist in helping you properly report such matters on your application, reducing their impact.

Mr. Corsmeier served as a Florida Bar prosecutor for nearly a decade and has been defending Bar grievance cases throughout the entirety of Florida for over 15 years. Any allegation or disciplinary action in response to a violation of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar will need skilled representation.

Bar disciplinary matters will affect the lawyer’s reputation and ability to earn a living, defending disciplinary matters are of the utmost importance. Mr. Corsmeier is available and experienced to defend clients in every phase of the disciplinary process and can be contacted before a problem arises for firm management to avoid any potential Florida Bar violations.

This page has the following sub pages.

Legal Experience:

November 2008-present: Partner, Law Office of Joseph A. Corsmeier, P.A.

Representation of lawyers in disciplinary matters before The Florida Bar, appeals, and oral argument before the Supreme Court of Florida, lawyer admission proceedings before the Florida Board of Bar Examiners, representation of professionals (physicians, nurses, real estate agents/brokers, CPAs, et al) before all State of Florida Boards and Agencies in licensure admission and disciplinary matters, expert analysis and opinion on legal ethics, malpractice, and professionalism issues. Qualified and provided expert testimony in state and federal courts on multiple occasions on attorney ethics and malpractice issues in Circuit Court litigation matters. Analysis and defense of Unlicensed Practice of Law (UPL) issues and representation in UPL matters before The Florida Bar. Workers’ compensation, and representation of law enforcement unions in labor, grievance, and other matters, including appeals of final agency actions.

September 2006-November 2008: Partner, Albinson & Corsmeier, P.A.

Representation of lawyers in disciplinary matters before The Florida Bar, appeals, and oral argument before the Supreme Court of Florida, lawyer admission proceedings, representation of Florida licensed professionals in admission and disciplinary matters, expert analysis and opinion on legal ethics, malpractice, and professionalism issues. Qualified and provided expert testimony on multiple occasions on attorney ethics and malpractice issues. Analysis and defense of Unlicensed Practice of Law (UPL) matters and representation before The Florida Bar. Workers’ compensation, and representation of law enforcement unions in labor, grievance, and other matters, including appeals of final agency actions.

September 2003-August 2006: Partner, Law Office of Joseph A. Corsmeier, P.A.

Representation of lawyers in disciplinary matters before The Florida Bar, appeals, and oral argument before the Supreme Court of Florida, lawyer admission proceedings before the Florida Board of Bar Examiners, representation of Florida licensed professionals in admission and disciplinary matters, expert analysis and opinion on legal ethics, malpractice, and professionalism issues. Qualified and provided expert testimony on multiple occasions on attorney ethics and malpractice issues. Unlicensed Practice of Law (UPL) matters and representation before The Florida Bar. Workers’ compensation, and representation of law enforcement unions in labor, grievance, and other matters, including appeals of final agency actions.

March 1998 -August 2003: Attorney/Partner, Tew, Barnes & Atkinson, L.L.P.

Representation of lawyers in disciplinary matters before The Florida Bar, appeals, and oral argument before the Supreme Court of Florida, lawyer admission proceedings, representation of Florida licensed professionals in admission and disciplinary matters, expert analysis and opinion on legal ethics, malpractice, and professionalism issues. Qualified and provided expert testimony on multiple occasions on attorney ethics and malpractice issues. Analysis and defense of Unlicensed Practice of Law (UPL) matters and representation before The Florida Bar. Workers’ compensation, and representation of law enforcement unions in labor, grievance, and other matters, including appeals of final agency actions.

January 1990 -March 1998: Senior Bar Counsel, The Florida Bar, Department of Lawyer Regulation

Investigation and prosecution of attorney disciplinary matters pursuant to the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, initial screening and investigation of bar complaints, advisor and Bar liaison to disciplinary grievance committees, litigation of Bar disciplinary matters before judges (referees) appointed by the Supreme Court of Florida, preparing and filing briefs on direct appeals to the Supreme Court of Florida, and oral arguments before the Supreme Court of Florida.

February 1986 -December 1989: Assistant State Attorney, Florida Sixth Judicial Circuit

Prosecution of criminal offenses for the State of Florida, investigation of criminal charges, motion practice, pretrial preparation, and numerous jury trials. Prosecution of felonies exclusively from June 1987 to December 1989.

September 1985 – January 1986: Attorney, Hopping, Boyd, Green and Sams, P.A.

Administrative matters and hearings, including health care, environmental, and water law, land use planning, growth management, and federal air and water quality statutes. Legal research and preparation of detailed memoranda.

Partial Listing of Seminars and Professional Enhancement (Since 2007):

  • Speaker/Moderator/ Panelist at Professionalism Seminar, by Clearwater Bar Association, January 2007.
  • Panelist/Speaker on Ethics at Hot Topics, Medical Issues, and Current Trends in Attorney Fees and Costs (Workers’ Compensation) Seminar, St. Petersburg Bar Association, January 2007.
  • Moderator of Judicial Panel at Practicing with Professionalism Seminar presented by The Florida Bar, February 2007.
  • Speaker on ethics at 2007 Real Estate Law Update Seminar, Clearwater Bar Association and Pinellas Realtor Organization, February 2007.
  • Speaker on mediation ethics and risk management at mediation at Ethics and Risk Management at Seminar, Hillsborough Bar Association, March 2007.
  • Speaker on ethics and update on Bar Website and Advertising Rules at seminar, Legal Marketing Association, March 2007.
  • Speaker on ethical issues in representing and/or serving on Board of Directors of a Non-Profit Organization at Overview of Legal Issues Affecting Start-up Non-profit Organizations, Community Law Program and Gulfcoast Legal Services, June 2007.
  • Speaker on ethical issues at Masters in Ethics Seminar at The Florida Bar’s annual meeting, June 2007.
  • Speaker on Attorney Ethics at Bench and Bar symposium, Clearwater and St. Petersburg Bar Associations, October 2007.
  • Speaker/Moderator Professionalism & Ethics Seminar, Hillsborough County Bar Association, November 2007.
  • Speaker on Ethics for Paralegals at Discovery Skills Seminar, Lorman ES, November 2007.
  • Speaker on Ethics at Criminal Basic Skills Course, The Florida Bar, February 2008.
  • Speaker on Ethics at Probate Update Seminar, Clearwater Bar Association, February 2008.
  • Speaker on Ethics at Bar Advertising Rules Update Seminar, Pinellas Mid-County Bar Association, February 2008.
  • Speaker on Ethics and substance abuse and depression issues, Florida Lawyer’s Assistance, Inc. and Clearwater Bar Association, April 2008.
  • Speaker at Professionalism, Ethics, and Diversity Seminar, Hillsborough County Bar Association, April 2008.
  • Speaker on Ethics at Disaster Preparedness and Recovery for Lawyers and Law Offices, Clearwater Bar Association, April 2008.
  • Speaker on Ethics at The Florida Bar’s Annual Masters in Ethics Seminar, June 2008.
  • Speaker on Ethics at St. Petersburg College Paralegal classes, October 2008.
  • Speaker on Attorney Ethics at Seminar, Gulfcoast Legal Services, October 2008.
  • Speaker on Attorney Ethics at Fathers’ Rights and Other Adoption Questions Seminar, St. Petersburg Adoption
  • Speaker/Moderator of Professionalism Symposium, Clearwater Bar Association, January 2009.
  • Speaker at Ethical Tips and Traps for Advertising Lawyer Webinar, Law and Politics, January 2009.
  • Speaker on Ethics at Basic Criminal Law Seminar, The Florida Bar, February 2009.
  • Speaker on Ethics and Malpractice Issues for McFarlane Ferguson Law Firm, March 2009.
  • Speaker on Attorney Ethics at Ethics Seminar, Gulfcoast Legal Services, May 2009.
  • Speaker on Ethics and Malpractice Issues, Abbey Adams law firm, May 2009.
  • Speaker on Ethics and Electronic Discovery at The Florida Bar’s Annual Masters Seminar on Ethics, June 2009.
  • Speaker on Pro Bono Public Service and Ethical Considerations, Clearwater Bar Association and Gulfcoast Legal Services, August 2009.
  • Speaker on Ethics at Internet Advertising Seminar, Clearwater Bar Association, September 2009.
  • Speaker on Paralegal Ethics at seminar, Tampa Bay Paralegal Association, September 2009.
  • Speaker on Paralegal Ethics at Seminar, Paralegal Association of Florida, September 2009.
  • Speaker on Attorney Ethics and Metadata at Bankruptcy Techniques: Foreclosure Defense Strategies Seminar, AmStar Litigation Services, December 2009.
  • Speaker on Amended Florida Bar Lawyer Website and Internet Advertising Rules at Ethical Considerations, webinar Findlaw, December 2009.
  • Speaker at Website and Internet Advertising Rules Seminar, Clearwater Bar Association, January 2010.
  • Panelist for Professionalism 2010 for Judges and Lawyers, Clearwater Bar Association January 2010.
  • Speaker at Ethics in Changing Times Seminar, Rossdale Group, LLC January 2010.
  • Speaker at Seminar on New Internet Florida Bar Rules presented by the Clearwater Bar Association, January 2010.
  • Speaker at Ethics for Advertising Lawyers, SuperLawyers/Thomson Reuters, March 2010.
  • Speaker on Amended Internet Bar Rules at Seminar, Westlaw, April 2010.
  • Speaker on Brave New World, Florida Website and Internet Regulation in the 21st Century at Seminar, Legal Marketing Association, Tampa Bay City Group, April 2010.
  • Speaker on Ethical Paralegal Billing and Office Management Seminar, Clearwater Bar Association, April 2010.
  • Speaker on Amended Website and Internet Bar Rules at Canakaris Inn of Court, April 2010.
  • Speaker on Ethical Issues in Representation of and/or Service on Boards of Non-Profit Organizations, St. Petersburg Bar Association, Gulfcoast Legal Services, and Community Law Program, June 2010.
  • Speaker on Ethics at The Florida Bar’s Annual Masters Seminar on Ethics June 2010.
  • Speaker on How to Avoid Grievances at Advanced Medical Imaging seminar, July 2010.
  • Speaker on Paralegal Ethics to Paralegal Association of Florida, Pinellas Chapter, August 2010.
  • Speaker on Judicial Assistants Ethics to the Judicial Assistants Association of Florida, August 2010.
  • Speaker on Lawyer Ethics and Website and Internet Regulation, Florida Public Relations Assoc., October 2010.
  • Speaker/Panelist on Ethics/Practice Management, Stetson Law School Practice Management Class, November 2010.
  • Speaker on Ethical Fee Agreements, Billing, and Practice Management, Hillsborough County Bar Association YLD, February 2011.
  • Speaker on Ethics in the Probate Process at CBA/SPBA Probate Update Seminar, February 2011.
  • Speaker on Fee Agreements and Billing at seminar sponsored by Advanced Medical Imaging, March 2011.
  • Speaker on Ethics on Ethics at Alternative Dispute Resolution Seminar, St. Petersburg Bar Association, April 2011.
  • Speaker on Ethics at Lorman ES Premises Liability and Negligent Security Seminar, May 2011.
  • Speaker/Panelist at Florida 5th Circuit Judicial Professionalism Seminar, June 2011.
  • Speaker on Current Ethics Topics, Tips, and Traps at The Florida Bar’s Annual Masters Seminar on Ethics June 2011.
  • Speaker on Ethical Fee Agreements and Billing at Pinellas Criminal Defense Lawyers seminar, August 2011.
  • Speaker on Ethical Fee Agreements and Billing at Lawline.com webcast seminar, August 2011.
  • Speaker on proposed Bar advertising rules at seminar sponsored by Clearwater Bar Association, September 2011.
  • Speaker on Ethical Billing and Fee Agreements and Ethics Update at Manatee County Bar Association, October 2011.
  • Speaker on Family Law Ethical Billing and Fee Agreements at CBA Family Law Section meeting, November 2011.
  • Speaker on Ethics and Estate Planning at Joint CBA/SPBA Probate Seminar February 2012.
  • Speaker on Ethics in Alternative Dispute Resolution sponsored by St. Petersburg Bar Association, April 2012.
  • Speaker on Ethics and Advertising/Marketing at Basic Practice Seminar sponsored by The Florida Bar May 2012.
  • Panelist/Speaker, Stetson Law School Professionalism Program, August 14, 15, and 16, 2012.
  • Speaker on Ethics and Legal Advertising and Marketing, sponsored by Legal Marketing Association, September 2012.
  • Speaker on Ethical Fee Agreements and Billing at Hillsborough Bar Association Solo Section Seminar, January 2013
  • Speaker on Ethics for Government Lawyers at Government Law Section Retreat and seminar, January 2013.
  • Speaker on Ethics in Probate at Joint CBA/SPBA Probate Update seminar, February 2013.
  • Speaker on Ethical Fee Agreements and Billing at Pinellas Park Chamber of Commerce seminar, February 2013.
  • Speaker on Florida Comprehensive New Bar Advertising Rules at Clearwater Bar Association seminar, April 2013.
  • Speaker on Handling Bar Grievances at The Florida Bar Criminal’s Law seminar, April 2013.
  • Speaker on Trust Account Tips and Traps for the Unwary sponsored by Clearwater Bar Association, May 2013.
  • Speaker on New Bar Advertising Rules seminar, Clearwater Bar Association, April 2013, and St. Petersburg Bar Association, May 2013.
  • Speaker on Law Office Management sponsored by Carrollwood Bar Association, June 2013.
  • Speaker at 5-hour seminar on various ethics topics sponsored by Superior CLE, June, July, and October 2013.
  • Speaker on Ethics and LOMAS sponsored by the Palm Beach County Bar Association, November 2013.
  • Speaker on Ethics and Professionalism update at St. Petersburg Bar Business Law Section seminar, January 2014
  • Speaker on Top 10 Ethics Issues at Clearwater Bar Association seminar, February 2014.
  • Speaker on Law Office Management sponsored by Brandon Bar Association, March 2014.
  • Speaker on Ethics Grievances Against Trust and Estate Attorneys at WTE Certification Review Course, April 2014
  • Speaker on Law Office Management at Divorce “101” seminar sponsored by Community Law Program, May 2014
  • Speaker on Lawyer Ethics at 2014 Ethics Update sponsored by the Clearwater Bar Association, September 2014
  • Speaker on Trust Accounts and recent revisions, Solo and Small Firm Section of The Florida Bar, October 2014
  • Speaker on Lawyer Ethics at Mediation Certification Seminar, December 2014.
  • Speaker on ethical considerations in cloud computing, electronic communications, and web based and digital advertising at Florida Association of Legal Support Staff seminar January 2015.
  • Speaker on Ethics for Estate Planning Lawyers at RPPTL Certification Review Course, The Florida Bar, April 2015
  • Speaker on Ethics Update for Criminal Law Practitioners at Bench/Bar seminar, St. Petersburg Bar Assoc., May 2015
  • Speaker on Ethics in Litigation at Anatomy of a Trial seminar, Pinellas County Trial Lawyers Association, May 2015
  • Speaker at Ethics/Law Firm Risk Management Seminar sponsored by Baker Hostetler, Orlando, July 2015
  • Speaker on Ethics at Clearwater Bar Association pro bono seminar, October 2015
  • Speaker on Ethics at 4th Annual Pinellas County Estate Planning Council Seminar, October 2015
  • Speaker on Ethics at Minnis Inn of Court, November 2015
  • Speaker at Probate breakout session, Bench/Bar Conference sponsored by Clearwater and St. Petersburg Barr Associations, November 2015
  • Speaker at Ethics in Probate Seminar, Hillsborough County Bar Association Probate Section, February 2016
  • Speaker on Ethics for Estate Planning Lawyers at RPPTL Certification Review Course, The Florida Bar, April 2016
  • Speaker on Ethics at McFarland Ferguson law firm seminar, April 2016
  • Speaker at Beach and Bar seminar sponsored by St. Petersburg Bar Association April 2016
  • Speaker on Law Office Management and Ethics at seminar sponsored by St. Petersburg Bar Association May 2016
  • Speaker on Ethics at Medico Legal Symposium sponsored by Hopkins Clinic and St. Petersburg MRI May 2016
  • Speaker on ethics of office practice and trust accounting at webinar sponsored by MyLawCLE, July 2016
  • Speaker on paralegal ethics at seminar sponsored by Paralegal Association of Florida, August 2016
  • Speaker on Technology Ethics for the Attorney at webinar sponsored by Lorman ES, November 2016
  • Speaker on Ethics for Estate Planning Lawyers at RPPTL Certification Review Course, The Florida Bar, April 2017
  • Speaker on Technology Ethics for Attorneys at webinar sponsored by ClearLaw Institute, April 2017
  • Speaker on Technology Ethics for the Attorney at webinar sponsored by Lorman ES, May 2017
  • Speaker at Beach and Bar seminar sponsored by St. Petersburg Bar Association May 2017
  • Speaker on Ethics and Conflicts of Interest at Masters on Ethics Seminar sponsored by The Florida Bar, June 2017.

Published Articles:

  • Author of Ethics Alert blogs and numerous articles on Legal Ethics and Professionalism for Clearwater Bar Association, St. Petersburg Bar Association, and other voluntary Bar associations, 1993 to present.

Teaching:

  • Instructor of Legal Ethics at the Tampa campus of Rollins College Paralegal Studies Program, 1993-1996.
  • Professor of Ethics in Paralegal Program, St. Petersburg College, 2013-current

Professional Memberships, Associations, and Achievements:

  • Member, Supreme Court of the United States Bar
  • Member, United States District Court, Middle District of Florida Bar
  • Member, United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit Bar
  • Member, American Bar Association (Professionalism Section)
  • Member, Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers
  • Member, The Florida Bar’s Professionalism (Hawkins) Commission 2011-2012
  • Member, The Florida Bar’s Vision 2016 Commission 2013-present
  • Member, Clearwater Bar Association (1986-present) (Board of Directors 2004-2008, President-Elect 2008-2009, President 2009-2010, Immediate Past President 2010-2011)
  • St. Petersburg Bar Association (1987-present)
  • American Bar Association Center for Prof. Responsibility CLE Committee (2014-present)
  • The Florida Bar, Professional Ethics Committee, (2007-2013)
  • Law Office Management Advisory Services, Inc. Advisory Board (2007-2013) (Board Vice-Chair 2011-2013)
  • The Florida Bar, Law Student Education and Admissions to The Bar Committee (2005-2006)
  • Board Member, Thomson Reuters/Super Lawyers Ethics Advisory Board
  • Panel Member, Westlaw Expert Round Table Group
  • AV” Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
  • Rated as “Superlawyer” 2007-2013, 2015-2017
  • Pro bono, Community Law Program: Certificates of Appreciation for “Outstanding dedication in providing pro bono legal services to the indigent of Pinellas County- 1995, 1996, 1997, and 1998
  • Marquis’ Who’s Who in American Law, 14th Edition, 2005
  • ABA Center for Professional Responsibility Continuing Legal Education Committee 2014-2015
AVVO
Practice Areas
  • Administrative Law
  • Professional Discipline
  • Professional Conduct
  • Professional Errors and Omissions
  • Professional Liability Defense
  • Professional Malpractice
  • Trusts and Estates
  • Trust Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Criminal Defense
  • DUI/DWI
  • Professional Ethics and Responsibility
Admission Details
  • Admitted in 1985, Florida
  • 1986, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
  • U.S. Supreme Court
Law School Attended
  • Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law J.D.
University Attended
  • Florida State University B.S.
Associations & Memberships
  • The Florida Bar
  • Clearwater Bar Association (Member, Board of Directors, 2004-2008 and President-Elect, 2008-2009)
  • St. Petersburg Bar Association
  • American Bar Association
  • Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers.