Donovan Lloyd Parker will undergo a public reprimand for mishandling an eviction mediation in Pembroke Pines, according to a report from the Florida Bar.

Parker had been hired to handle the mediation, but according to the Bar, did not follow through on his obligations.  He did not appear at the mediation session and did nothing to reschedule the mediation for a later date.  He did nothing further to follow up on the issue after the mediation date was missed and the case was dismissed because of his failure to be where he was supposed to be when the session was scheduled.

Parker was informed of the situation and agreed to the public reprimand.  It will take place in the Southern Reporter publication and will include Parker’s conditional guilty plea.  Additionally, he will be forced to return the client’s fee of $1000.

According to the allegations, Parker was representing the couple in the eviction matter and had filed some court documents relevant to the case.  He was sent notice of the mediation via email, which according to Parker, was on very short notice, but did not further explain his lack of attendance at the meeting, nor did he try to reschedule the event.

The mediation attempt was an effort by Parker’s clients and the landlord of their residence to avoid eviction and resolve the matter.  Mediation is becoming increasingly popular for eviction disputes because of the time, money, and frustration it can save all parties involved.

Prior to this incident involving the mediation, Parker had not been subject to any disciplinary measures.