Supreme Court of Jflortba

TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2013

CASE NO.: SCI2-2607

Lower Tribunal No(s).: 2013-50,652(17C)OSC THE FLORIDA BAR vs. NICHOLAS THEODORE STEFFENS

Complainant(s)

Respondent(s)

The Florida Bar filed a Petition for Contempt alleging that Respondent has failed to respond to official Bar inquiries. This Court issued an Order to Show Cause directing Respondent to respond by a date certain why he should not be held in contempt and suspended until such time as he fully complied in writing to the official Bar inquiries. Thereafter, The Florida Bar filed a "Notice of Respondent's Compliance" stating that Respondent subsequently responded to the inquiries, albeit not in a timely manner. The Court takes very seriously every attorney's obligation to completely and timely respond to inquiries made by The Florida Bar. Therefore, because Respondent did not respond to the inquiries in a timely manner, Nicholas Theodore Steffens is hereby held in contempt and is hereby publicly reprimanded. Judgment is entered for The Florida Bar, 651 East Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2300, for recovery of costs from Nicholas Theodore Steffens in the amount of $1,250.00, for which sum let execution issue. Not final until time expires to file motion for rehearing, and if filed, determined. POLSTON, C.J., and PARIENTE, LEWIS, QUINCE, CANADY, LABARGA, and PERRY, JJ., concur. A True Copy Test:

Clerk, Supreme Comt

dd Served: KENNETH LAWRENCE MARVIN NICHOLAS THEODORE STEFFENS

RONNA FRIEDMAN YOUNG

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF FLORIDA THE FLORIDA BAR, Petitioner, v. NICHOLAS THEODORE STEFFENS, Respondent. ________________________________/ THE FLORIDA BARS PETITION FOR CONTEMPT AND ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE Petitioner, The Florida Bar, files this, its Petition for Contempt and Order to Show Cause and requests the respondent, Nicholas Theodore Steffens, be suspended until he is in compliance with Florida Supreme Court Case No. SC11521 and says: 1. In Florida Supreme Court Case No. SC11-521, by order dated October The Florida Bar File No. 2013-90,073(OSC) Supreme Court Case No. SC-

11, 2011, respondent was suspended for 10 days, ordered to pay restitution, and directed to comply with all other terms and conditions of the report of referee and the consent judgment. 2. Respondent agreed, in part, to the following requirements: within 30

days of the acceptance of the consent judgment respondent shall make an appointment for an evaluation to be conducted by FLA, Inc. Respondent shall be

evaluated by FLA, Inc. and shall thereafter follow any and all recommendations that FLA, Inc. deems appropriate. If a rehabilitation contract is recommended by FLA, Inc., respondent shall enter into such contract for a term to be determined by FLA, Inc. and shall be subject to any and all conditions recommended by FLA, Inc. All of the foregoing shall be at the respondents expense. 3. The Florida Bar notified respondent of the conditions associated with

his suspension by letter dated October 27, 2011 which was amended on November 4, 2011 because of a typographical error made in connection with date of the restitution. See, The Florida Bars letters to respondent dated October 27, 2011 and November 4, 2011 attached hereto as Composite Exhibit A. 4. Respondent scheduled his evaluation with FLA, Inc. on December 9,

2011. The evaluation was rescheduled for January 18, 2012. FLA, Inc. needed to obtain additional information from respondents therapist before FLA, Inc. could finalize its recommendation for follow-up treatment. 5. Respondent was required to give permission to his therapist to speak

with Dr. Scott Weinstein, Clinical Director of FLA, Inc. 6. On or about May 31, 2012, FLA, Inc. advised The Florida Bar that

they still had not heard from respondents therapist. 7. On June 12, 2012, The Florida Bar wrote respondent about contacting

his therapist to give his therapist authorization to speak with Dr. Weinstein and

provide the necessary additional information to complete the required evaluation. See, The Florida Bars letter to respondent dated June 12, 2012, attached hereto as Exhibit B. 8. On July 3, 2012, respondent entered into a 2 year rehabilitation

contract with FLA, Inc. which included language that respondent is required to reimburse The Florida Bar for the one-time $250.00 Registration Fee and the $100.00 monthly monitoring fee for the duration of the contract. 9. On July 11, 2012, The Florida Bar wrote respondent about the

Registration fee and monthly monitoring fees associated with his FLA, Inc. contract. See, The Florida Bars letter to respondent dated July 11, 2012, attached hereto as Exhibit C. 10. Respondent failed to pay the one-time $250.00 Registration Fee and

$100.00 monthly monitoring fee for the months of July, August and September. 11. On October 24, 2012, The Florida Bar wrote respondent about the

Registration Fee and monitoring fee arrearages. See, The Florida Bars letter to respondent dated October 24, 2012, attached hereto as Exhibit D. 12. On November 5, 2012, The Florida Bar received a check in the

amount of $600.00 from Respondent which was applied to the $250.00 Registration Fee and the remaining $350.00 was applied to the monthly fee for the months of July, August, September and $50 to the month of October.

13.

On December 5, 2012, The Florida Bar wrote respondent about the

monitoring fee arrearages consisting of the remaining $50.00 for month of October and the $100.00 for the months of November and December. See, The Florida Bars letter to respondent dated December 5, 2012, attached hereto as Exhibit E. 14. Respondent failed to respond to the Bars letter of December 5, 2012

and failed to remit payment of the monitoring fee arrearages. 15. On January 10, 2013, The Florida Bar wrote respondent about the

monitoring fee arrearages. See, The Florida Bars letter to respondent dated January 10, 2013, attached hereto as Exhibit F. 16. Respondent failed to respond to the Bars letter of January 10, 2013

and failed to remit payment of the monitoring fee arrearages. 17. On January 29, 2013, The Florida Bar again wrote respondent about

the monitoring fee arrearages. See, The Florida Bars letter to respondent dated January 29, 2013, attached hereto as Exhibit G. 18. Respondent failed to respond to the Bars letter of January 29, 2013

and failed to remit payment of the monitoring fee arrearages. 19. Respondent has failed to pay the remaining $50.00 monitoring fee for

the month of October and failed to pay the $100.00 monitoring fee for the months of November and December 2012 and January and February 2013 for a total due and owing to The Florida Bar of $450.00.

20.

Implicit in an order of discipline is enhanced discipline is the

respondent fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the courts order. Therefore, it is appropriate that respondent be suspended until he is in compliance with the terms and conditions of Florida Supreme Court Case No. SC11-521. 21. The other members of The Florida Bar should not have to pay for

respondents noncompliance with this Courts order and the instant proceeding. Therefore, pursuant to Rule 3-7.6(q)(1)(I), Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, the Bar is requesting administrative costs of $1,250.00 against respondent. WHEREFORE, petitioner, The Florida Bar, respectfully requests this Court enter its order directing respondent, Nicholas Theodore Steffens, to show cause why he should not be held in contempt and be suspended until he complies with the terms of the Courts Order in SC11-521 by paying the $450.00 in monitoring fee arrearages, and assess costs in the amount of $1,250.00 to The Florida Bar. Furthermore, The Florida Bar requests that is respondent is suspended for more than 90 days that he be required to file a petition for reinstatement pursuant to Rule 3-7.10, Rules Regulating The Florida Bar.

Arne Carl Vanstrum, Bar Counsel The Florida Bar 651 East Jefferson Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2300 (850) 561-5731 5

Florida Bar No. 865771 avanstru@flabar.org CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I certify that the original hereof has been filed electronically via the Florida Courts E-filing Portal to the Honorable Thomas D. Hall, Clerk of the Supreme Court of Florida, Supreme Court Building, 500 South Duval Street, Tallahassee, Florida, 32399-1927, and a true and correct copy has been forwarded by certified mail, return receipt requested, 7011 1150 0000 1391 9517, to Mr. Nicholas Theodore Steffens, at Nicholas T. Steffens & Associates, 9900 West Sample Road, Suite 300, Coral Springs, FL 33065-4077, with a copy e-mailed to Randi Klayman Lazarus, Bar Counsel, at rlazarus@flabar.org and to Kenneth Lawrence Marvin, Staff Counsel at kmarvin@flabar.org, on this 21st day of February, 2013.

Arne Carl Vanstrum, Bar Counsel

THE FLORIDA BAR

JOHN F. HARKNESS, JR.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

651 EAST JEFFERSON STREET TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-2300

850/561-5600
WWW.FLABAR.ORG

October 27, 2011

Mr. Nicholas Theodore Steffens 5571 N University Drive, Suite 101 Coral Springs, FL 33067-4653 Re: The Florida Bar v. Nicholas Theodore Steffens; Supreme Court Case No.: SC11-521 The Florida Bar File No.: 2011-50,329 (17F)OSC

Dear Mr. Steffens: Pursuant to the order of the Supreme Court of Florida dated October 11, 2011, you were suspended from the practice of law for a period of 10 days. The effective date of the suspension is November 10, 2011, and automatic reinstatement will occur on November 20, 2011. The filing of a motion for rehearing does not alter the effective date of the suspension. The court's order also assessed costs in the amount of $1,325.00. Your costs are due in this office no later than November 28, 2011. Please review the attached Failure to Pay Notice as it may substantially affect your continuing ability to practice law. If you are interested in being on a payment plan, and you qualify under the Delinquent Costs paragraph in the attached Failure to Pay Notice, you need to contact our office immediately. You are required to pay restitution to Steward Huffaker in the amount of $5,000.00 within 60 days of the execution of the consent judgment, to wit: November 7, 2011. You shall provide verifiable proof of payment to this office no later than November 17, 2011. Verifiable proof of payment shall consist of a copy (front and back) of the negotiated check or a copy of the check and certified return receipt. In the event the client cannot be located after diligent search, you shall execute an affidavit of a diligent search and provide same to The Florida Bar and shall pay the full amount of the restitution to the Clients Security Fund of The Florida Bar within 30 days of the date of the affidavit of diligent search. Within 30 days of your acceptance of the consent judgment, you were required to make an appointment for an evaluation to be conducted by Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc. (FLA, Inc.). Within 10 days you must notify The Florida Bar of the date of your evaluation with FLA, Inc. You will be evaluated by FLA, Inc. and will thereafter follow any and all recommendations FLA, Inc. deems appropriate. Within 10 days of FLA, Inc. notifying you of its recommendations, you will notify The Florida Bar of same. If a rehabilitation contract is recommended by FLA, Inc., you will enter into such contact for a term to be determined by FLA, Inc. and will be subject to any and all conditions recommended by FLA, Inc. You will waive confidentiality with FLA, Inc. so that FLA, Inc. is authorized, and indeed required, to notify The

COMPOSITE EXHIBIT A

Mr. Nicholas Theodore Steffens October 27, 2011 Page 2

Florida Bar of your evaluation and progress during the terms of any treatment recommended FLA, Inc. Based on this waiver of confidentiality between FLA, Inc. and The Florida Bar, any breach of your rehabilitation contract with FLA, Inc. regardless of how substantial or insubstantial such breach may be, will be immediately reported to The Florida Bar. All of the foregoing will be at your expense. You must follow the provisions of Rule 3-5.1(g). A copy of the order must be provided to clients, opposing counsel, and certain courts, and you must provide an affidavit to us verifying that this has been done. A form affidavit is enclosed. The executed affidavit must be provided to this office 30 days after the date of the court order to wit: November 10, 2011. If you had no clients or pending matters at the time the order was served in this case, the affidavit should so state. Should you accept employment with a Florida lawyer or law firm, additional requirements apply. Please see Rule 3-6.1 in this respect. Sherry Walker, Florida Bar Headquarters Paralegal, will be the contact person at The Florida Bar for issues relating to compliance with the court order and may be contacted at (850) 561-5796 should there be any questions regarding this matter. Sincerely, Lisa Chason, Legal Secretary Lawyer Regulation Headquarters EnclosuresFailure to Pay Notice, 3-5.1(g) affidavit cc: Ms. Randi Klayman Lazarus, Bar Counsel, Fort Lauderdale Branch Office Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc.

FAILURE TO PAY NOTICE

The Supreme Court of Florida has entered an order assessing costs, fees, imposing fee arbitration and/or restitution obligations. The requirements of this order create certain obligations of which you should be aware. Making Payment Please send checks or money orders made payable to "The Florida Bar to the attention of Lisa F. Chason, The Florida Bar, 651 East Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2300. Please place The Florida Bar file number on the check so we may extend proper credit for the payment. Credit card payments are also accepted by submission of the enclosed credit card form. The entire balance must be paid; no partial payment will be accepted. Delinquent Costs Costs are deemed delinquent unless they are paid within 30 days after the recommendation becomes final. The time for payment may be extended by The Board of Governors (hereafter the Board) for good cause shown. In order for the Board to approve an extension of time a payment plan must be requested and certain financial information disclosed. Ordinarily payment plans are not approved unless extreme financial hardship is proven through financial affidavits that include a statement of assets and liabilities. Delinquent Fee Arbitration Award(s) Fee arbitration awards are deemed delinquent unless paid within 30 days after the award becomes final. The time for payment may be extended by the Board for good cause shown. Delinquent Restitution Restitution is deemed delinquent unless it is made within the time frame and in the manner provided by the recommendation or the agreement imposing the obligation. As in the case of costs, the time for making restitution may be extended by the Board for good cause shown. The same disclosure and the same procedures for obtaining the Boards approval of an extension of time for making restitution apply as in a request for extension of time in which to make payment for costs. Effect of Delinquency If costs, restitution or fee arbitration awards become delinquent, you will be deemed a delinquent member of The Florida Bar and as such will not be entitled to practice law in Florida until such time as the delinquency is cured. Cure of the delinquency will include making payment of all required obligations, providing proof of payment, filing a petition for removal of delinquency status and payment of a $150.00 reinstatement fee. Thereafter the petition will be reviewed and, if appropriate, the delinquency will be removed.

Lapse of Membership Status Any member who remains delinquent for a period of five years or longer will lose bar membership. A member whose membership has lapsed may return to the practice of law in Florida only through application to the Florida Board of Bar Examiners, which will include taking and passing the bar examination and successful completion of the character and fitness evaluation. Maintaining Contact There may be important information that we need to communicate after the recommendation becomes final. For this reason, it is important to maintain an accurate mailing address, telephone number and other contact information. In fact, The Rules Regulating The Florida Bar mandate that all members of The Florida Bar keep current contact information on file. If you have any questions about these issues please feel free to contact Lisa F. Chason by telephone at (800) 342-8060, ext. 3186.

The Florida Bar Lawyer Regulation Headquarters Office Authorization for Payment by Credit Card
Name ______________________________________________________ Bar Number __________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________ City ___________________State ________________ Zip______________ Phone ______________________________________________________ Fax ________________________________________________________ E-mail ______________________________________________________ The Florida Bar File No. _______________________________________ Date of Assessment ____________________________________________ Amount Assessed _____________________________________________ Payment Amount _____________________________________________ Credit Card Number ___________________________________________ Expiration Date _________________ Visa Mastercard
Discover American Express

(Check One) I hereby authorize The Florida Bar to charge $___________to the credit card listed above. Signature ______________________________ Date _________________ Please submit this form to Lisa F. Chason at The Florida Bar, 651 East Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Chason at (850) 561-3186 or at lchason@flabar.org.
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY ITEM NO. 7200001 7200002 7200003 7500001 4400002 4400003 4400015

AMOUNT $ $ $ $ $ $ $

STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF __________________ AFFIDAVIT I, Nicholas Theodore Steffens, after being duly sworn, say: This affidavit is submitted pursuant to Rule 3-5.1(g) of the Rules of Discipline in conjunction with the decision in The Florida Bar v. Nicholas Theodore Steffens, SC11-521; The Florida Bar File No. 2011-50,329 (17F)OSC. _____ 1. I had no clients(s) or matter(s) pending at the time of the order directing me to cease the practice of law.

OR _____ 2.a. I have furnished a copy of the court order to all my clients with matters pending when the court's order was served on me; and to all opposing counsel and co-counsel in the matters listed in 2a. above; and, To all courts, tribunals, or adjudicative agencies before which I am counsel of record. The names and addresses of all persons and entities that have been furnished with such notification are indicated on the attached list (Exhibit A), and such is a complete listing of all persons and entities notified pursuant to this rule.

_____ _____

b. c.

_____

d.

FURTHER AFFIANT SAYETH NOT. ____________________________________ NICHOLAS THEODORE STEFFENS SWORN TO AND SUBSCRIBED before me this ____ day of ______________, 20____. ____________________________________ Notary Public ____________________________________ Print, type, or stamp commission name of notary public Personally known to me or produced the following identification: _________________________ Type of Identification Return to: The Florida Bar Attention: Lisa F. Chason, Legal Secretary 651 East Jefferson Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2300

THE FLORIDA BAR

JOHN F. HARKNESS, JR.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

651 EAST JEFFERSON STREET TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-2300

850/561-5600
WWW.FLABAR.ORG

November 4, 2011 AMENDED

Mr. Nicholas Theodore Steffens 5571 N University Drive, Suite 101 Coral Springs, FL 33067-4653 Re: The Florida Bar v. Nicholas Theodore Steffens; Supreme Court Case No.: SC11-521 The Florida Bar File No.: 2011-50,329 (17F)OSC

Dear Mr. Steffens: Pursuant to the order of the Supreme Court of Florida dated October 11, 2011, you were suspended from the practice of law for a period of 10 days. The effective date of the suspension is November 10, 2011, and automatic reinstatement will occur on November 20, 2011. The filing of a motion for rehearing does not alter the effective date of the suspension. The court's order also assessed costs in the amount of $1,325.00. Your costs are due in this office no later than November 28, 2011. Please review the attached Failure to Pay Notice as it may substantially affect your continuing ability to practice law. If you are interested in being on a payment plan, and you qualify under the Delinquent Costs paragraph in the attached Failure to Pay Notice, you need to contact our office immediately. You are required to pay restitution to Steward Huffaker in the amount of $5,000.00 within 60 days of the execution of the consent judgment, to wit: November 7, 2011. You shall provide verifiable proof of payment to this office no later than November 7, 2011. Verifiable proof of payment shall consist of a copy (front and back) of the negotiated check or a copy of the check and certified return receipt. In the event the client cannot be located after diligent search, you shall execute an affidavit of a diligent search and provide same to The Florida Bar and shall pay the full amount of the restitution to the Clients Security Fund of The Florida Bar within 30 days of the date of the affidavit of diligent search. Within 30 days of your acceptance of the consent judgment, you were required to make an appointment for an evaluation to be conducted by Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc. (FLA, Inc.). Within 10 days you must notify The Florida Bar of the date of your evaluation with FLA, Inc. You will be evaluated by FLA, Inc. and will thereafter follow any and all recommendations FLA, Inc. deems appropriate. Within 10 days of FLA, Inc. notifying you of its recommendations, you will notify The Florida Bar of same. If a rehabilitation contract is recommended by FLA, Inc., you will enter into such contact for a term to be determined by FLA, Inc. and will be subject to any and all conditions recommended by FLA, Inc. You will waive confidentiality with FLA, Inc. so that FLA, Inc. is authorized, and indeed required, to notify The

Mr. Nicholas Theodore Steffens November 4, 2011 Page 2

Florida Bar of your evaluation and progress during the terms of any treatment recommended FLA, Inc. Based on this waiver of confidentiality between FLA, Inc. and The Florida Bar, any breach of your rehabilitation contract with FLA, Inc. regardless of how substantial or insubstantial such breach may be, will be immediately reported to The Florida Bar. All of the foregoing will be at your expense. You must follow the provisions of Rule 3-5.1(g). A copy of the order must be provided to clients, opposing counsel, and certain courts, and you must provide an affidavit to us verifying that this has been done. A form affidavit is enclosed. The executed affidavit must be provided to this office 30 days after the date of the court order to wit: November 10, 2011. If you had no clients or pending matters at the time the order was served in this case, the affidavit should so state. Should you accept employment with a Florida lawyer or law firm, additional requirements apply. Please see Rule 3-6.1 in this respect. Sherry Walker, Florida Bar Headquarters Paralegal, will be the contact person at The Florida Bar for issues relating to compliance with the court order and may be contacted at (850) 561-5796 should there be any questions regarding this matter. Sincerely, Lisa Chason, Legal Secretary Lawyer Regulation Headquarters EnclosuresFailure to Pay Notice, 3-5.1(g) affidavit cc: Ms. Randi Klayman Lazarus, Bar Counsel, Fort Lauderdale Branch Office Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc.

FAILURE TO PAY NOTICE

The Supreme Court of Florida has entered an order assessing costs, fees, imposing fee arbitration and/or restitution obligations. The requirements of this order create certain obligations of which you should be aware. Making Payment Please send checks or money orders made payable to "The Florida Bar to the attention of Lisa F. Chason, The Florida Bar, 651 East Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2300. Please place The Florida Bar file number on the check so we may extend proper credit for the payment. Credit card payments are also accepted by submission of the enclosed credit card form. The entire balance must be paid; no partial payment will be accepted. Delinquent Costs Costs are deemed delinquent unless they are paid within 30 days after the recommendation becomes final. The time for payment may be extended by The Board of Governors (hereafter the Board) for good cause shown. In order for the Board to approve an extension of time a payment plan must be requested and certain financial information disclosed. Ordinarily payment plans are not approved unless extreme financial hardship is proven through financial affidavits that include a statement of assets and liabilities. Delinquent Fee Arbitration Award(s) Fee arbitration awards are deemed delinquent unless paid within 30 days after the award becomes final. The time for payment may be extended by the Board for good cause shown. Delinquent Restitution Restitution is deemed delinquent unless it is made within the time frame and in the manner provided by the recommendation or the agreement imposing the obligation. As in the case of costs, the time for making restitution may be extended by the Board for good cause shown. The same disclosure and the same procedures for obtaining the Boards approval of an extension of time for making restitution apply as in a request for extension of time in which to make payment for costs. Effect of Delinquency If costs, restitution or fee arbitration awards become delinquent, you will be deemed a delinquent member of The Florida Bar and as such will not be entitled to practice law in Florida until such time as the delinquency is cured. Cure of the delinquency will include making payment of all required obligations, providing proof of payment, filing a petition for removal of delinquency status and payment of a $150.00 reinstatement fee. Thereafter the petition will be reviewed and, if appropriate, the delinquency will be removed.

Lapse of Membership Status Any member who remains delinquent for a period of five years or longer will lose bar membership. A member whose membership has lapsed may return to the practice of law in Florida only through application to the Florida Board of Bar Examiners, which will include taking and passing the bar examination and successful completion of the character and fitness evaluation. Maintaining Contact There may be important information that we need to communicate after the recommendation becomes final. For this reason, it is important to maintain an accurate mailing address, telephone number and other contact information. In fact, The Rules Regulating The Florida Bar mandate that all members of The Florida Bar keep current contact information on file. If you have any questions about these issues please feel free to contact Lisa F. Chason by telephone at (800) 342-8060, ext. 3186.

The Florida Bar Lawyer Regulation Headquarters Office Authorization for Payment by Credit Card
Name ______________________________________________________ Bar Number __________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________ City ___________________State ________________ Zip______________ Phone ______________________________________________________ Fax ________________________________________________________ E-mail ______________________________________________________ The Florida Bar File No. _______________________________________ Date of Assessment ____________________________________________ Amount Assessed _____________________________________________ Payment Amount _____________________________________________ Credit Card Number ___________________________________________ Expiration Date _________________ Visa Mastercard
Discover American Express

(Check One) I hereby authorize The Florida Bar to charge $___________to the credit card listed above. Signature ______________________________ Date _________________ Please submit this form to Lisa F. Chason at The Florida Bar, 651 East Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Chason at (850) 561-3186 or at lchason@flabar.org.
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY ITEM NO. 7200001 7200002 7200003 7500001 4400002 4400003 4400015

AMOUNT $ $ $ $ $ $ $

STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF __________________ AFFIDAVIT I, Nicholas Theodore Steffens, after being duly sworn, say: This affidavit is submitted pursuant to Rule 3-5.1(g) of the Rules of Discipline in conjunction with the decision in The Florida Bar v. Nicholas Theodore Steffens, SC11-521; The Florida Bar File No. 2011-50,329 (17F)OSC. _____ 1. I had no clients(s) or matter(s) pending at the time of the order directing me to cease the practice of law.

OR _____ 2.a. I have furnished a copy of the court order to all my clients with matters pending when the court's order was served on me; and to all opposing counsel and co-counsel in the matters listed in 2a. above; and, To all courts, tribunals, or adjudicative agencies before which I am counsel of record. The names and addresses of all persons and entities that have been furnished with such notification are indicated on the attached list (Exhibit A), and such is a complete listing of all persons and entities notified pursuant to this rule.

_____ _____

b. c.

_____

d.

FURTHER AFFIANT SAYETH NOT. ____________________________________ NICHOLAS THEODORE STEFFENS SWORN TO AND SUBSCRIBED before me this ____ day of ______________, 20____. ____________________________________ Notary Public ____________________________________ Print, type, or stamp commission name of notary public Personally known to me or produced the following identification: _________________________ Type of Identification Return to: The Florida Bar Attention: Lisa F. Chason, Legal Secretary 651 East Jefferson Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2300

THE FLORIDA BAR

JOHN F. HARKNESS, JR.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

651 EAST JEFFERSON STREET TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-2300

850/561-5600
WWW.FLABAR.ORG

June 12, 2012

Mr. Nicholas Theodore Steffens 5571 North University Drive, Suite 101 Coral Springs, FL 33067-4653 Re: The Florida Bar v. Nicholas Theodore Steffens TFB File Nos. 2011-50,329(17F), et al.

Dear Mr. Steffens: Pursuant to the order of the Supreme Court of Florida dated October 11, 2011, where you were suspended from the practice of law for 10 days, you were also required to comply with the other terms and conditions of the report of referee and the consent judgment you entered into on September 7, 2011. Specifically, you agreed to be evaluated by Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc. (FLA, Inc.) and to follow any and all recommendations that FLA, Inc. deemed appropriate, including entering into a rehabilitation contract if recommended. FLA, Inc. has advised The Florida Bar that you met with Dr. Scott Weinstein on January 18, 2012 and you were required to contact your doctor and give him permission to speak with and provide Dr. Weinstein with additional information so that your evaluation could be completed. To date, Dr. Weinstein has not heard from either your doctor or you regarding the necessary follow-up information needed to complete your FLA, Inc. evaluation. Therefore, you are not in compliance with the Courts Order. You have 10 days from the date of this letter to re-establish contact with FLA, Inc. and provide them with the necessary follow-up information to complete your evaluation or provide a written statement as to why you are unable to re-establish contact with FLA, Inc. and provide them with the necessary follow-up information to complete your evaluation. If you fail to respond to this inquiry, The Florida Bar will file a Petition for Contempt and Order to Show Cause seeking enhanced discipline and requesting administrative costs in the amount of $1,250.00 for filing said petition. YOUR PROMPT ATTENTION IS REQUIRED. Sincerely,

Arne Carl Vanstrum, Associate Director Lawyer Regulation ACV/srw cc: Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc.

EXHIBIT B

THE FLORIDA BAR

JOHN F. HARKNESS, JR.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

651 EAST JEFFERSON STREET TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-2300

850/561-5600
WWW.FLABAR.ORG

July 11, 2012

Mr. Nicholas Theodore Steffens 9900 West Sample Road, Suite 300 Coral Springs, FL 33065-4077 Re: The Florida Bar v. Nicholas Theodore Steffens TFB File Nos. 2011-50,329(17F), et al.

Dear Mr. Steffens: Pursuant to your evaluation, treatment was recommended. You are required to enter into a rehabilitation contract with Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc. (FLA, Inc.) for treatment and compliance monitoring for 2 years. FLA, Inc. has notified us that you have signed and returned your rehabilitation contract to them. Your contract will run through July 3, 2014. Please provide a signed copy of the contract with FLA, Inc. to The Florida Bar Headquarters office by July 31, 2012. The Florida Bar will pay your FLA, Inc. registration fee of $250.00 and a monthly fee to FLA, Inc. of $100.00 per month, and each month thereafter, until the contract is completed. You must reimburse The Florida Bar for these fees by the end of each respective month. You will not be sent a bill and it is your responsibility to pay these fees on a timely basis. Failure to do so could be considered a violation, in which case The Florida Bar will seek enhanced discipline. Please remit the $250.00 registration fee and $100.00 monthly fee for the month of July for a total of $350.00 to The Florida Bar by July 31, 2012. Sincerely,

Sheryl Remien Walker, CP FCP, FRP Certified Paralegal, Lawyer Regulation Headquarters /srw cc: Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc.

EXHIBIT C

THE FLORIDA BAR

JOHN F. HARKNESS, JR.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

651 EAST JEFFERSON STREET TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-2300

850/561-5600
WWW.FLABAR.ORG

October 24, 2012

Mr. Nicholas Theodore Steffens Nicholas T. Steffens & Associates, PA 9900 West Sample Road, Suite 300 Coral Springs, FL 33065-4077 Re: The Florida Bar v. Nicholas Theodore Steffens TFB File No. 2011-50,329(17F)

Dear Mr. Steffens: The Florida Bar has not received your monitoring fees for the months of July through September 2012 and the monitoring fee for the month of October is currently due. Additionally, The Florida Bar has not received your Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc. registration fee for a total due and owing of $650.00 to The Florida Bar. You have ten days from the date of this letter to remit the outstanding monitoring fees and registration fee or provide a written statement as to why you are unable to remit the outstanding monitoring fee and registration fee. If you fail to respond to this inquiry, The Florida Bar may file a Petition for Contempt and Order to Show Cause and request administrative fees in the amount of $1,250.00 for filing said Petition. YOUR PROMPT ATTENTION IS REQUIRED. Sincerely,

Arne C. Vanstrum Associate Director of Lawyer Regulation ACV/mmm cc: Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc.

EXHIBIT D

THE FLORIDA BAR

JOHN F. HARKNESS, JR.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

651 EAST JEFFERSON STREET TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-2300

850/561-5600
WWW.FLABAR.ORG

December 5, 2012

Mr. Nicholas Theodore Steffens Nicholas T. Steffens & Associates, PA 9900 West Sample Road, Suite 300 Coral Springs, FL 33065-4077 Re: The Florida Bar v. Nicholas Theodore Steffens TFB File No. 2011-50,329(17F)

Dear Mr. Steffens: The Florida Bar has not received your full monitoring fee for the month of October ($50.00 has been paid; $50.00 remaining) and for the month of November 2012. Additionally, the monitoring fee for the month of December is currently due for a total due and owing of $250.00 to The Florida Bar. You have ten days from the date of this letter to remit the outstanding monitoring fees or provide a written statement as to why you are unable to remit the outstanding monitoring fees. YOUR PROMPT ATTENTION IS REQUIRED. Sincerely,

Sheryl Remien Walker, CP FCP, FRP Certified Paralegal Lawyer Regulation Headquarters SRW/mmm cc: Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc.

EXHIBIT E

THE FLORIDA BAR

JOHN F. HARKNESS, JR.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

651 EAST JEFFERSON STREET TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-2300

850/561-5600
WWW.FLABAR.ORG

January 10, 2013

Mr. Nicholas Theodore Steffens Nicholas T. Steffens & Associates, PA 9900 West Sample Road, Suite 300 Coral Springs, FL 33065-4077 Re: The Florida Bar v. Nicholas Theodore Steffens TFB File No. 2011-50,329(17F)

Dear Mr. Steffens: The Florida Bar sent you a letter dated December 5, 2012 and you have failed to respond to the letter. The Florida Bar has not received your full monitoring fee for the month of October ($50.00 has been paid; $50.00 remaining) and for the months of November and December 2012. Additionally, the monitoring fee for the month of January is currently due for a total due and owing of $350.00 to The Florida Bar. You have ten days from the date of this letter to remit the outstanding monitoring fees or provide a written statement as to why you are unable to remit the outstanding monitoring fees. If you fail to respond to this inquiry, The Florida Bar may file a Petition for Contempt and Order to Show Cause and request administrative fees in the amount of $1,250.00 for filing said Petition. YOUR PROMPT ATTENTION IS REQUIRED. Sincerely,

Arne Carl Vanstrum, Associate Director Lawyer Regulation Headquarters ACV/mmm cc: Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc.

EXHIBIT F

THE FLORIDA BAR

JOHN F. HARKNESS, JR.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

651 EAST JEFFERSON STREET TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-2300

850/561-5600
WWW.FLABAR.ORG

January 29, 2013

Mr. Nicholas Theodore Steffens Nicholas T. Steffens & Associates, PA 9900 West Sample Road, Suite 300 Coral Springs, FL 33065-4077 Re: The Florida Bar v. Nicholas Theodore Steffens TFB File No. 2011-50,329(17F)

Dear Mr. Steffens: The Florida Bar sent you letters dated December 5, 2012 and January 10, 2013, and you have failed to respond to either letter. The Florida Bar has not received your full monitoring fee for the month of October ($50.00 has been paid; $50.00 remaining) and for the months of November and December 2012, and January 2013. Additionally, the monitoring fee for the month of February will be due in 2 days for a total due and owing of $450.00 to The Florida Bar. You have ten days from the date of this letter to remit the outstanding monitoring fees or provide a written statement as to why you are unable to remit the outstanding monitoring fees. If you fail to respond to this inquiry, The Florida Bar will file a Petition for Contempt and Order to Show Cause and request administrative fees in the amount of $1,250.00 for filing said Petition. YOUR PROMPT ATTENTION IS REQUIRED. Sincerely,

Arne Carl Vanstrum, Associate Director Lawyer Regulation Headquarters ACV/srw cc: Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc.

EXHIBIT G