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THE FLORIDA BAR INQUIRY/COMPLAINT FORM PART ONE (See Page 1, PART ONE - Required Information.): Your Name: Ir / Organization: Address: City: &A1 Q State: _ Zip Codef^? 1 Phone:^/? ^55J^ 6,3 Email: ACAP Reference No. Attorney's Name: Address: City: Zip Codegg f Telephone: >/? - State: PART TWO (See Page 1, PART TWO - Facts/Allegations.): The specific thing or things I am complaining about are- (QI6UWI JUL 1 6 2012 i he Honda Ba-- ACAP PART THREE (See Page 1, PART THREE - Witnesses.): The witnesses in support of my allegations are: [see attached sheet]. PART FOUR (See Page 1, PART FOUR- Signature.): Under penalties ofp/fjptry, I declare that the foregoing facts are true, correct and complete. MARIELENA TORRES NOTARY PUBLIC STATE OF FLORIDA Commit 2/15/2016

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THE FLORIDA BARINQUIRY/COMPLAINT FORM

PART ONE (See Page 1, PART ONE - Required Information.):

Your Name: Ir /

Organization:

Address:

City:&A1 Q

State:_

Zip Codef^? 1 Phone:^/? ̂ 55 J^ 6,3

Email:

ACAP Reference No. —

Attorney's Name:

Address:

City:

Zip Codegg f Telephone: >/? -

State:

PART TWO (See Page 1, PART TWO - Facts/Allegations.): The specific thing or things I am complaining about are-

(QI6UWIJUL 1 6 2012

i he Honda Ba-- ACAP

PART THREE (See Page 1, PART THREE - Witnesses.): The witnesses in support of my allegations are: [see attached

sheet].

PART FOUR (See Page 1, PART FOUR- Signature.): Under penalties ofp/fjptry, I declare that the foregoing facts aretrue, correct and complete.

MARIELENA TORRESNOTARY PUBLICSTATE OF FLORIDACommit

2/15/2016

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JOHN F. HARKNESS, JR.EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

THE FLORIDA BAR651 EAST JEFFERSON STREET

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32399-2300

July 10,2012

(850)561-5600WWW.FLABAR.ORG

Mr. Michael Pinson146Dunbar AveSteDOldsmar, FL 34677

Re: Mr. Paul Marshall Phillips; RFA No. 12-21845

Dear Mr. Pinson:

JUL 1 6 2012

The Florida Bar- ACAPTallahassee Florida

J

The Supreme Court of Florida has adopted rules that require the allegations be signed and underoath. In order to comply with this rule you must sign the oath below and return it to us by July20,2012 before we can proceed with an investigation.

Under penalty of perjury, I declare that the facts contained in the inquiry submitted to TheFlorida Bar concejning Mf) Phillips are true, correct and complete.

, Mr. |vlichael Pinson / Date

you do not complete and return the oath form to us, we may be unable to proceed with theinvestigation. A copy of the rule imposing this obligation (3-7.3(c)) may be found on the Bar'sweb site at www.floridabar.org.

Also, if you have documents that you feel support your allegations, please provide copies ofthem when you return the oath.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Anne-Marie Martinez, Bar CounselAttorney Consumer Assistance ProgramACAP Hotline 866-352-0707

MARIELENA TORRESNOTARY PUBLICSTATE OF FLORIDAComm#EE170348

Expires 2/15/2016

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Michael Pinson146DunbarAve#DOldsmar, FL 34677

(813) 855-3663 [email protected]

VIA FEDERAL EXPRESS

July 2, 2012

The Florida BarAttorney/Consumer Assistance Program (ACAP)651 East Jefferson StreetTallahassee, FL 32399-2300

RE: Formal complaint of misconduct against attorney Paul Phillips, FL Bar #41888

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

The factual basis for this complaint arises from attorney Paul Phillips fraudulent willful andcontrived misrepresentations.

In July 2010,1 contacted attorney Paul Phillips for legal advise regarding a blogger who wasrelentlessly harassing and defaming me and my company online. After consulting with Mr.Phillips and disclosing privileged and confidential information regarding my case with him, headvised me that I had "no case" against the perpetrator of these illegal acts and he attempted todissuade me from pursuing further legal action against the blogger. Months later, I learned thatMr. Phillips had deceived me, intentionally made false statements and failed to disclose a conflictof interest he held with the blogger, whom is now his client.

The allegations here regarding attorney Paul Phillips are summarized as follows:

1. Numerous, Multiple and Repeated Instances of Unprofessional and Unethical Behavior2. Acts of Moral Turpitude including Extortion, Dishonesty, Untruthful Means, Lack of Candor3. Representing Conflicting Interests; Failure to Disclose a Conflict of Interest4. Fraudulent Willful & Contrived Misrepresentations5. Acted with Oppression, Malice, and Fraud6. Professional Misconduct7. Motivated by Bad Faith or a Conscious Desire to Injure Me and My Business

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8. Honesty Requirement; Prohibition on Deception9. Unreturned Settlement Payment in the Amount of $3,200

The allegations are explained below.

(1) At the heart of the skills which a lawyer offers to his client is the exercise of hisindependent professional judgment. Given the realities of the American adversarysystem, a lawyer's total loyalty must be to his client, restricted only by his duty to thecourt and to the law.

The first code of ethics regulating the legal procession, adopted by the American BarAssociation in 1908, expressly prohibited an attorney from representing conflictinginterests unless all concerned consented after a full disclosure of the facts. In the 1970Code of Professional Responsibility, the American Bar Association promulgated an evenstricter, and certainly more extensive, set of rules governing conflicts of interest. Further,the Florida Bar Association has adopted disciplinary rules and ethical considerationswhich generally prohibit a lawyer from participation in any conflict of interest situation.

It is attorney Paul Phillips undisclosed business and personal interests with liberalblogger and political consultant Peter Schorsch; the individual who invaded my privacy,relentlessly harassed and defamed me, and caused tremendous financial injury to me andmy business, whom I sought Mr. Phillips advice to take legal action against, so that Icould protect my business from further degradation, which is the cause of my complaint.

(2) In early 2007,1 became heavily involved in supporting, then Gov. Charlie Crist's politicalissues, beginning with the Amendment One campaign. As my role in the businesscommunity in Tampa Bay grew, so did my involvement concerning issues facing thebusiness community. I was asked by an advisor of the Governor, Republican Party ofFlorida (RPOF) board member Gregg Truax, to become involved in supporting theMcCain/Palin Presidential Campaign in 2008.1 was asked to be a surrogate, as mysuccessful track record as a business owner placed me in a position to speak out on issuespertinent to the business community in Florida, which was a constituency of particularlyinterest to Governor Crist. I was asked to be in attendance at press conferences and eventswith the Governor and vocally support his fiscal agenda statewide.

(3) In the summer of 2009, advisors close to the Governor began to court my interest insupporting Governor Crist's candidacy for the United States Senate. I was reluctant tosupport the Governor, given the terrible fiscal condition Florida was in at the time. Ithought it imprudent for a first term Governor to jump ship, during the worst financialdown turn our state has faced in recent memory. However, the pressure mounted for meto do support Governor Crist's Senate campaign.

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In August 2009,1 was invited to attend a fundraiser at a private home in St. Petersburg,Florida. I donated $1,000 to Charlie Crist's U.S. Senate Campaign. I met with theGovernor privately and was eager to hear his plan to lift Florida out of the fiscal turmoilwhich had engulfed nearly every profitable industry in our state.

However, the Governor advised me he had no intention of speaking out on key issues,ideas or solutions to help Florida recover. Instead, to my dismay, the Governor advisedme he just wanted me to help him raise more money and that he would discuss the"issues" after he becomes elected to the U.S. Senate. I conveyed to Governor Crist thatbusiness owners wanted detailed solutions, not personal attacks. I recommended theGovernor go head-to-head in detailed debates regarding key issues with former Speakerof the Florida House, Marco Rubio.

The Governor advised me he would not debate Rubio, nor would his campaign mentionhis name, because he could win the Senate seat merely on the volume of money heplanned to raise.

The Governor's discourse in these matters caused me great concern. Albeit, I was not yetready to close the door on our relationship, until I delved a bit deeper. I had several moreconversations with the Governor and his chief advisor, Greg Truax over the next severalweeks. I began to ask questions about how donor money was being spent and the answersprovided to me where deeply disconcerting. After the conclusion of several discussions, Idetermined I could no longer support Governor Crist's agenda, as it was my belief theGovernor had become too influenced by corporate interests, lobbyists and biggovernment bureaucrats and he was out of touch with the issues facing Florida's smallbusiness owners, such as myself. I was also concerned about what I thought could be anillegal misappropriation of donor monies.

(4) In late September 2009,1 publicly declared my support for Governor Crist's opponent,Marco Rubio and encouraged my network of 5,000 Facebook friends, family membersand business associates to do the same. A tide seemed to have turned away from theGovernors favor. I made a video to share with colleagues and other small businessowners in my community to explain why I was pulling my support for Governor Cristand endorsing Marco Rubio for the US Senate. The video found its way onto the Internetand went viral and was picked up by the press. Thirty days after I endorsed Marco Rubio,Governor Crist lost the GOP straw poll in his own county (Pinellas County) and shortlythereafter announced he was leaving the GOP and continuing his campaign for the U.S.Senate as an independent.

(5) It was just shortly after Governor Crist lost the Republican Primary race and announcedthat he would run as an Independent for the US Senate in March 2010, that a personunknown to me, political consultant and liberal blogger Peter Schorsch began writingfalse and defamatory articles about me, my business and posting maliciously false and

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intentionally defamatory articles on his blog, www. SaintPetersblog.com, and elsewherethroughout the internet. I had no idea at that time that Paul Philips and Peter Schorschwere connected to Governor Crist. Schorsch wrote several intentionally false anddefamatory articles claiming, Gov. Rick Scott, who was a candidate for Governor at thetime, had filed a restraining order against me, when nothing of the sort had ever occurred.He took photos from my Facebook account, without my authorization of permission, ofMiss Tampa and people I am affiliated with professionally, at charity events we attended,and wrote articles referring to these women as "paid prostitutes". Miss Tampa, who is awoman of Asian decent, was referred to as a "Tia hooker". This blatant racism andsexism perpetuated by Schorsch's blog posts was disgusting and I began to considertaking legal action against his unlawful conduct.

Further, I became concerned for my safety and the safety of my employees as threats ofretribution mounted, which Schorsch claimed would be carried out relentlessly "until Iget out of the GOP as a business owner". The implication was that my reputation wouldcontinue to be destroyed if I did not disavow myself from my political affiliation with theRepublican Party. Although, Schorsch admits in his own blogs that he had never even metme, he attempted to communicate "personalized" threats that he intended to ruin mybusiness name and personal reputation. These false, malicious and defamatory statementswere posted on Schorsch's website SaintPetersBlog.com and circulated on the Internet toover 40 online blogs, and websites that are affiliated with Schorsch.

After learning of Schorsch's political ties, his extensive civil and criminal background,with a history of squeezing his political clients for money, including a $66,000 unpaidfine with the Florida Elections Commission, with 40 counts of election law violations,and approximately $100,000 in civil judgments already against him I contacted attorneyPaul Phillips for legal advice about suing Schorsch in July 2010, due to the irreparableharm which his patently false and defamatory stories had caused me and my business.

I originally requested to meet Mr. Phillips at his firm's office in Tampa, Florida.However, Mr. Phillips asked if we could meet over drinks at Ocean Prime, instead. WhenI arrived to meet Mr. Phillips at Ocean Prime, he advised me of his customaryconsultation fee, but stated I could "pick up the tab" for dinner and that would beequivalent. I agreed.

During my meeting with Mr. Phillips, I discussed information regarding my case that wasprivileged and confidential in nature. We discussed all aspects of the case, what evidenceI had to date, and I gave Mr. Phillips copies of evidence which contained personal threatswhich Schorsch directed at me. We also discussed how in the world could Republicancampaign monies being paid to people in Tampa Bay who had massive civil and criminalbackgrounds, such as Peter Schorsch, who is a liberal, albeit extremely active inRepublican circles.

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Throughout our conversation, Phillips asked probing questions about what I knew aboutGovernor Crist's US Senate campaign and other Republican elected officials campaignmoney being appropriated from the RPOF and local Republican Executive Committeesacross Tampa Bay. I attempted at several times to steer the conversation back toredressing my legal concerns about Schorsch and the injury he was causing to mybusiness. Phillips stated that I had "no case" against Schorsch, that his writings were all"satire" and Phillips dissuaded me from taking any legal action at all, irrespective of thefact that Schorsch continued to inflict injury on my business and professional reputation.

Shortly after my attempt to hire Paul Phillips as my attorney in July 2010, unexpectedly,Schorsch became even more vitriolic and aggressive in his online jihad against me.Schorsch began utilizing the help of several surrogates, including Governor Crist's aideMichelle Todd, who is now his wife, and members of the Pinellas County RepublicanExecutive Committee, and members of the Hillsborough County Republican ExecutiveCommittee to continue his online harassment via third parties.

At no time during any of my initial conversations with Mr. Phillips did he ever advise methat he had a conflict of interest, personal or financial interests with Schorsch. Later thatfall, I was shocked to have learned that Mr. Phillips, has since early 2010, perhaps evenprior to that has provided legal representation to Schorsch's web site and politicalconsulting company.

Mr. Phillips, at no time disclosed his conflict of interest, or the fact that he authored aweekly column for Peter Schorsch, on the same web site where the defamatory storiesabout me were being posted. Furthermore, I discovered Schorsch at many times descrinedMr. Phillips as his "attorney on retainer". The evidence was clear that Phillips wasSchorsch's attorney. Mr. Phillips was intentionally dishonest and disingenuous by failingto disclose these facts to me prior to our consultation, where I disclosed privileged andconfidential information about my perspective case against Schorsch.

In the fall of 2010, after countless attempts to try to end Schorsch's harassment, I spokewith Mr. Phillips, during a social event and asked him how could he not have had aconflict of interest with this legal advice to me when I have since discovered all of thefacts above? He stated that I had never actually hired him as his attorney, so he neverreally gave me legal advice even though he agreed to meet with me for a consultation. Ireminded Mr. Phillips of our first meeting, when he stated to me that the initialconsultation was free if I bought him dinner at Ocean Prime, that we certainly discussedthe case and he advised me at that time NOT to sue and not to take any action at allagainst Schorsch; since, as Mr. Phillips put it, I did not have a case at all. I had providedMr. Philips with proprietary and Client Confidential information about this case over thatdinner meeting to file a legal action against Schorsch. Mr. Phillips clearly failed todisclosed his relationships with Schorsch that evening.

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Ironically, it is to my understanding that Mr. Phillips has taught "Ethics" classes tostudents aspirating toward a legal career at Saint Petersburg College. Assuredly, thecollege would call into question conduct such as this by one of its adjunct professors.

(6) Later on, through information and knowledge, I learned that Schorsch was the live-in-boyfriend of Michelle Todd, a woman who had recently left a position she held with theState of Florida, as a district aide for Governor Crist to become Crist's campaign directoron his U.S. Senate campaign. Further, I learned from many others that Schorsch was ahired gun used by both Democrats and Republican campaigns to launch personal attacksto discredit private citizens, in an effort to harass and intimidate these individuals forexercising their First Amendment rights.

(7) In April - May 2011, while I was attending a public event, Mr. Phillips stated, if I don'tstop asking why Republican campaign money is being funneled to Peter Schorsch andBarry Edwards, that Schorsch would write and destroy my families' charity — the PinsonFoundation. It was unclear what Mr. Phillips was eluding to at that time. A month later,Mr. Phillips told my attorney that if I file a lawsuit against Schorsch that he woulddestroy my personal life, business reputation and the Pinson Foundation's name. I had noknowledge of any issues involving our Foundation, but clearly Mr. Phillips hadknowledge and information which I was unaware of.

(8) In July-August 2011,1 filed a criminal complaint against Schorsch in Pinellas CountySheriffs Office. However, the state attorney's office advised me that Florida does nothave a provision which protects citizens from what Schorsch was doing as "CyberHarassment" or "Cyber Stalking".

It is my belief, based on information and knowledge, that Schorsch filed a complaintagainst my Foundation in June 2011 with the State of Florida, in retaliation because Icontinued to question Republican Party leaders about why political donor money wasbeing paid out to individuals with massive civil and criminal backgrounds. Schorschlodged his complaint with the State of Florida, claiming he was unable to obtain theFoundations' 990N forms online.

Again, Schorsch promoted false and misleading stories online, this time he implied ourFoundation committed charity fraud to reporter Noah Pransky at CBS Channel 10 News.

Upon leaving my office in September 2011, a camera crew ambushed me in mycompanies parking lot. Reporter Noah Pransky rattled off several accusations, andquestioned "where the charity money went". The news video was edited to show anegative story vs my full statements of facts. This false malicious story, instigated by Mr.Phillips and Schorsch, which has no journalistic integrity whatsoever, has been spread allover the internet, intended to defame me and impugn my integrity, reputation andprofessional opportunities. These false stories incited death threats against me by

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strangers, after Pransky's story aired. They knew exactly how to grossly mislead thepublic and despite the obvious facts.

72 hours prior to the Channel 10 News story being aired, Schorsch posted informationnotifying the public that a story by reporter Noah Pransky regarding the PinsonFoundation was forthcoming. The implication was that Pransky had leaked the releasedate of the story to Schorsch, so that it would appear Schorsch site had an inside scoop ofPransky's investigative report.

Through information and knowledge, I discovered that Noah Pransky, the reporter whoran the false and factually incorrect story about the Pinson Foundation, was also apersonal friend of Peter Schorsch. Furthermore, it was verified that the reporter NoahPransky, attended Schorsch's wedding in January 2012, which was officiated by formerGovernor Charlie Crist. Mr. Schorsch married Michelle Todd, the Governor's formercampaign employee.

(9) In January 2012,1 called Charlie Crist at his law office ofMorgan & Morgan to discuss amediation with Schorsch, since I was aware Crist would be in the St. Petersburg areaaround that time to officiate the wedding of Schorsch and Crist's former aide, MichelleTodd. I also left a voice mail for attorney John Morgan to call me to seek some sort ofresolution or end to this mess. Neither, Governor Crist or John Morgan would returnedmy call.

A short time later, I was contacted by Mr. Phillips, who communicated with me via textmessage. Mr. Phillips advised me Schorsch would remove the false and defamatory blogpostings out of every web site for $3,500 cash. About a week later, Mr. Phillips advisedme that he was raising the asking price to $4,200, which included a guarantee thatSchorsch would not harass, defame me, my company or write anything about me for thenext three years. I suspect, that part of these monies were also being paid to Phillipsdisguised as so called "Legal Fees" but he never admitted this.

For the sake of the 23 families which my company employs, I felt I had no choice, exceptto surrender to Mr. Phillips and Schorsch's financial demands to remove the massiveblogs, photos, and use of my name from his numerous web sites. There was no help fromlaw enforcement on this matter. Schorsch already had nearly $100,000 in civil judgmentsagainst him, a several criminal records which included Fraud and Embezzlement of$10,000 in political campaign funds from the Democratic Party and an unpaid $67,000fine from the State of Florida for 40 counts of Florida election law violations.

Schorsch's original financial demand was $3,500, then $3,250, then $4,200 total of whichPhillip's brokered as his attorney. I agreed, as I had no choice but to pay him $3200 nowto remove all blog posts, photos and my name from his multiple web sites, and another$1,000 by Sept 1, 2012, provided that none of the cached articles or videos by Schorsch

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or his blogger affiliates showed up in the first 30 pages of any search engine. Also, thatthey both, and their associates, and affiliates stated that they would leave my and myfamily alone, and not write anything more about on the internet for a period of not lessthan three years for these monies. Brokered by Mr. Phillips, Peter Schorsch agreed.

I felt that this was nothing more than extortion.

Mr. Phillips presented several fraudulent and dishonest schemes to hide what the paymentto Schorsch was for. He first tried to called it that I was buying Ad space, but there wasnever any ad space offered. When I asked Mr. Phillips to define the ad space size and adtime on the web site, he refused to reply at all about it. He also tried to call these monies"Consulting Fees" paid to them, to suggest I was buying consulting services fromSchorsch and that I was somehow liable to Schorsch. However, when I made him detailwhat he was talking about, he did not answer the questions. Phillips also attempted toclaim is was some sort of professional fee to remove the blogs from Google, thusattempted another fraud as everyone knows a person cannot do something magical toremove anything from Google's servers. Schorsch and Phillips both knew this. None ofthese terms made it to the final Agreement as we made it very clear that were paying forthe removal of these slanderous blogs from the many web sites of Schorsch and forSchorsch to leave myself and family alone for at least the next three years. TheAgreement is signed by Schorsch, as we refused to allow them to cover up why I waspaying them their financial demands.

We originally identified Mr. Phillip's name in the 2012 Agreement. However, Mr. Phillipsasked not to disclose his name and to use the word "Attorney" or "Law Firm" in theAgreement, even though it was clear that Mr. Phillips would be receiving part of thesemonies. We required that Mr. Phillips have his client, Mr. Schorsch signed a swornstatement under the penalty of perjury, stating he approved the agreement and hisstatements in that Agreement were true and correct. Additionally, the Agreement wassigned and notarized [See Attached Agreement]. Several days after it was signed bySchorsch, we deposited $3,200 in the Trust Fund Account of Phillips law firm where inthe Agreement, and by cover letter that Mr. Phillips agrees that no funds are to bereleased to anyone until I have inspected the removal of all blogs, articles, photos and mynames from the Internet. Phillips and Schorsch both confirmed in writing they agreed tothese terms and conditions.

However, Schorsch started to remove only part of the articles, Schorsch violated theAgreement by intentionally leaving my name listed on web pages, and in the titles ofURLs which point to article he falsely wrote about me. Further, he violated theAgreement by refusing to remove images and pictures of me, my friends, colleagues andassociates, which he took without my consent from my Facebook account. Dozens ofthese images were linked to false and defamatory stories Schorsch wrote about me on

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affiliate websites. Mr. Phillips confirmed with Schorsch, and had his client state underoath that Schorsch had control over the web site, such a TBBuzz.com.

When my attorney and I discovered that Phillips and Schorsch was once again playinggames, we gave Mr. Phillips, until June 8, 2012, to either have them both fully complywith the agreement and fully deleted everything off the Internet or Phillips must returnthe $3200 from his law firm's trust account. Our agreement clearly stated that Phillipscould not distribute the funds to Schorsch not can Mr. Phillips pay himself from and suchfunds, unless I have personally reviewed all deleted content from the websites and that Imust sign a release before Phillips is legally authorized to release the funds.

After Phillips had received the funds, he then notified me that his client had committed anerror Under Oath of Perjury, where Schorsch claimed he controlled the websiteTBBuzz.com and had the authority to remove the false and defamatory stories he hadwritten himself, which was not factual. Nevertheless, Mr. Phillips indicated I should stillpay for the deletion of this false and defamatory content and leave all negative content upabout me on TBBuzz.com, even though Mr. Phillips helped draft the Agreement, whichSchorsch signed.

Mr. Phillips was advised that Schorsch was in breach of agreement and was given untilJune 8, 2012 to comply with our agreement or return my money. On June 8, 2012,Phillips Agreed to return all monies from his law firm Trust Account. On June 13, 2012,my attorney telephoned and emailed Mr. Phillips asking where the money were. Mr.Phillips has refused to return my attorney's email and calls. As of July 2, 2012, Mr.Phillips has not returned the monies from his Trust Account.

It is very clear that that Mr. Phillips knew what he was doing all along. Mr. Phillips either hasalready distributed the monies illegally, or has breached his fiduciary duty as a Florida attorneyby keeping the funds at his law firm to cause me additional legal expense. We were tired of beingjerked around where I was spending $300 per hour with my attorney as Phillips continued to playthese games. It was clear that Phillips wanted to increase my legal expenses even more by hisBad Faith actions as punishment for not agreeing to again modify the Agreement that Schorschsigned under "Oath subject to Perjury" by paying the monies anyway, and leaving some of theslanderous blogs on the Internet.

As a direct and proximate result of the conduct described above, I have suffered emotionaldistress, tremendous damage to my personal and professional reputation, as well as financiallosses for my business. When someone Google's my name, they can find no mention of myprofessional credentials, only Schorsch's defamatory blog posts, which have no journalisticaccuracy or merit. Schorsch's statements and comments on his blog have impugned me, andslandered my honesty, integrity, virtue, reputation and professionalism.

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Assuredly, Mr. Phillips was consciously aware, prior to consulting with me in July 2010, that hisrelationship with Schorsch would have had an adverse impact on the outcome of my case. Todate, the matter involving Mr. Phillips and Schorsch has cost my company in approximately$20,000 in legal and public relations costs dealing with his cyber smearing and personal attacks.Mr. Phillips has made numerous comments to myself and others how he thinks this is all"Funny". I would challenge this assertion, as the 23 families, which Pinson Communicationsemploys do not consider their continued employment being placed in jeopardy or a negativeimpact on their financial futures "Funny".

Attorney Phillips' behavior is so outrageous in character, and so extreme in degree, as to gobeyond all possible bounds of decency or professional conduct. Phillips' unethical and fraudulentmisrepresentations illustrates he is motivated by hatred, ill will or spite or by a reckless disregardfor my rights, with the intention of causing me personal, professional and financial harm.

Mr. Phillips falsely and fraudulently counseled me, using deceptive means to influence me todrop my plans to sue Schorsch in 2010. Clearly, Mr. Phillips' knowingly intended to deceive me,conceal his conflicting interests with Schorsch, which has caused me personal and professionalinjury, that is further promulgated by an adverse legal outcome.

The information Mr. Phillips gathered about my case during the intake and consultationprocess, which I was led to believe would be used related to the representation of my case,was instead was used by Mr. Phillips to benefit himself and his client Peter Schorsch, toinduce an extortion payment from me every three years.

I wish to make it clear that the Agreement signed by Schorsch, that Phillips co-draftedstates that all slanderous blogs, my name and photos will be removed from the Internet,that they will leave myself, family and business alone and not write anything about me, orhis associates or affiliates write anything about me for the next three years for payment of$4,200 total.

As I believe several violations of the Florida Bar's Standards for Lawyer Sanctions exists, Irequest your office aggressively investigate this matter, so that other potential clients seekinglegal assistance in their hour of need, do not fall prey to Mr. Phillips.

I also request the Florida Bar conduct an audit of Mr. Phillips' law firm and trust accountsconcerning the funds which he has not yet returned. The $3,200 has not been returned byPhillip's as such funds are now missing and unaccounted for.

Additionally, with respect to a current Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)investigation regarding the alleged misappropriation of campaign contributions of formerGovernor Crist and/or others, the discovery of which was recently made public in the corruptiontrial of former Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, Jim Greer; I request this Bar

10

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Complaint and attached documents be made available to the Florida Election Commission, andto law enforcement authorities for the furtherance of investigations concerning these matters.

Sincerely,

ichael

Enclosures

JUL 1 6 2011

. ne Honda dai-AWi Florid?

11

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RELEASE OF CLAIMS AND SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

Michael Pinson (hereinafter referred to as the "Releasor") agrees to pay PeterSchorsch (hereinafter referred to as the "Releassee") the sum of Four Thousand Two-Hundred Dollars ($4,200), at Releasee's request, for and in consideration of the mutualobligations specified hi this Release of Claims, (hereinafter referred to as the "Release").Upon full performance of the obligations set forth hi this Release, Releasor, for himselfand his respective heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, does hereby completelyand fully release and discharge Releasee of and from any obligation, liability orresponsibility arising out of any claim and/or action arising from any publication, blog,internet posting, article, or statement of any kind Releasee has made about, concerning,or describing Releasor that was made prior to the date that the Releasor signs and datesthis Release.

It is understood and agreed that this Release is hi full compromise of a disputedclaim, and that neither this Release, nor the performance of the obligations specified inthis Release, shall be construed as an admission of liability by either party to the Release.

I. MUTUAL OBLIGATIONS

Each party to this Release, in consideration of inducing the other party to enterinto this Release, agrees to perform the obligations specified herein.

n. OBLIGATIONS OF THE RELEASOR

a. Within ten days of Releasee signing this Release, Releasor will place into the/ trust account of Releasee's attorney, the sum of Three Thousand Two-

Hundred Dollars ($3,200.00). It is agreed that said funds will only be paid toReleasee under the conditions set forth in this Release. Releasee hereby agreesand directs Releasee's attorney, or any other attorney or law firm holding saidfunds in trust to not release said trust funds to Releasee until such time asReleasor provides to Releasee's attorney, or any other attorney or law firmholding said funds in trust, a written acknowledgement that Releasee hascomplied with his obligations set forth hi this Release. Said writtenacknowledgement shall not be withheld in bad faith.

b. If, on or before September 1, 2012, no statement and/or opinion that Releaseehas ever published referencing in any manner Releasor, PinsonCommunications, and/or any other business or charity with which Releasor isassociated (including but not limited to "The Pinson Foundation", "JohnMichael Pinson", "Americans for Freedom", "Pinson", or "Michael PinsonTampa" appears within the first thirty (30) search results for said search termsor appears as an active link on the following search engines: Google; Yahoo;Bing; Dogpile; Lycos; MSN; Ask; "Michael Pinson, Releasor agrees to pay toReleasee an additional $1,000.00, with said payment to be made on or beforeSeptember 10, 2012. Releasee will move in good faith to accomplish the

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provisions set forth in Section II(b): however Releasor understands that thespecified search engines are not controlled by Releasee.

III. OBLIGATIONS OF THE RELEASEE

a. Within ten (10) days of Releasee signing this Release, Releasee agrees toremove from, and will certify in writing, that all content concerning Releasor,Pinson Communications, and/or The Pinson Foundation has been deleted fromwww. saintpetersblog.com. wwvv.tampabaybatdegro^d.com. Releasee'sYouTube.com channels, TbBuzz.com, or any other website or publicationwith which Releasee is associated. By" his signature below Releasee doeshereby swear and affirm that he presently does not, nor ever has had, anassociation of any kind with PushingRope.blogsspot.com andwww.yborcity.blogspot.com.

b. Within ten (10) days of Releasee signing this Release, Releasee shall provideto Releasor a list of any and all web sites to which Releasee has contributedarticles for, owns^ controls, manages, or has any interest in whatsoever. As toeach of the websites on the list provided pursuant to this provision of theRelease^ Releasee sfiall remove, within ten (10) days ofjRelcasec signing thisagreement, any ail references to Releasor, The Pinson Foundation, PinsonCommunications., Inc., and any other business or charity with which Reieasoris associated,

c. For three (3) years subsequent to the date Releasee signs this Release,Releasce shall not post on any internet sight or publish any manner., eitherdirectly, indirectly, or through a third party, any statements or opinionsrelating to or referencing in any manner Releasor, The Pinson Foundation,Pinson Communications, and any other business or charity with whichReleasor is associated. If Releasee is found to have violated this provision ofthe Release, Releasor agrees to never make any reference or comment about,to any past events or articles from others that were published about theReleasee prior the date of the Agreement If Releasee violates this provisionof the Release, Releasee shall be liable to Releasor any attorney's fees or coststhat Releasor incurs in enforcing this provision, as well as any damagesReleasor incurs.

d. Releasee, within ten (10) days of signing this Release, agrees to provide awritten, signed, and notarized a document transferring to Releasor any and allcopyrights to any written statements or opinions that Releasee has publishedin any manner concerning, about, or relating to, or referencing Releasor, ThePinson Foundation, Pinson Communications, and/or any other business orcharity with which Releasor is associated,

e. Releasee, within ten (10) days of signing this Release, agrees to remove fromeach website listed pursuant to Paragraph III(b) of this Release, any internet

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link to any other website and/or blog containing statements and/or opinionsreferencing Releasor to include remove any and all web site links and searchengine promotions or optimizations relating to WTSP.com about, theReleasor, Pinson Communications, Inc. the Pinson Foundation, Inc., and/orany other business or charity with which Releasor is associated.

IV. ATTORNEYS' FEES

Each party hereto shall bear their own attorneys' fees and costs incurred for anyreason prior to the date of this Release

V. CONFTOENTIALITY OF SETTLEMENT

The parties hereto are obligated to keep confidential the terms of this settlementas is set forth herein. It is specifically understood that no release of informationconcerning this settlement shall be made to the news media, and that disclosure of theterms of settlement shall be restricted to those disclosures which are required by lawand/or as may be necessary to enable the undersigned to facilitate appropriate taxreporting, or in the conduct of business necessary to complete this settlement and/or as isresponsive to any investigations made by any State or Federal Governmental Agency orDepartment. If inquiry is made by any person about this release or the settlementagreement, the parties agree that they will state only that they have resolved theirdifferences amicably and mat no litigation is pending or complicated.

VI. TAX CONSEQUENCES OF SETTLEMENT

No representations have been made by Releasor regarding the taxability of all orany portion of this settlement. Releasee stipulates that he has had the opportunity to seekindependent advice regarding the tax consequences of this settlement, and accept

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responsibility for satisfaction of any tax obligation that may result from this settlement.

VH. JURISDICTION AND CHOICE OF LAW

This Release and claims arising out of or in connection therewith shall begoverned by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State ofFlorida and both the Releasee and Releasor consent to jurisdiction in the state courtssituated in Pinellas County,

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I understand that I am swearing or affirming under oath to die trudifulness of diestatements of fact made in tiiis Release and Settlement Agreement that die punishment forknowingly making a false statement includes fines and/or imprisonment.

Dated: .5PETER SCHORSCH

STATE OF FLORIDACOUNTY OF

Sworn to or affirmed and signed before me on

SEANBAtLEYMY COMHBSKWEE155214EXPIRES: Febntaiy 7.2016

otary PutftUBonded Dm Notary PutftUnferaibs!i

NOTARY PUBLIC or DEPUTY CLERK

Personally known-*Produced identification

Type of identification produced _

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I understand that I am swearing or affirming under oath to die truthfulness of diestatements of fact made in this Release and Settlement Agreement that die punishment forknowingly making a false statement includes fines and/or imprisonment.

Dated:MICHAEL PINSON

STATE OF FLORIDAPINELLAS COUNTY

NOTARY PUBLIC or DEPUTY CLERK

Personally knownProduced identification

Type of identification produced _

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From: Mark G. Rodriguez [mailto:[email protected]|Sent: Thursday, April 26, 2012 1:49 PMTo: Paul PhillipsCc: Michael PinsonSubject: Pinson/Schorsch Settlement Agreement

Dear Mr. Phillips,

I have had the opportunity to review with Mr. Pinson your proposed revisions to the proposed settlementagreement. "" ~~ " " ~~

(1) The proposed revisions to the introductory paragraph and Paragraph II (a) are acceptable.(2) The proposed revision to Paragraph 1Kb) is acceptable, but Mr. Pinson requires additional

language that the $1,000.00 payment would only be made if the condition is met, despite Mr.Schorsch's good faith efforts.

(3) The proposed revision to Paragraph III (a) is not acceptable. Mr. Pinson is of the belief thatpushingrope.blogspot.com and yborcitystogie.blogspot.com are under Mr. Schorsch's control.

(4) Your suggested additions of severability, choice of law and forum selection provisions isacceptable.

Mr. Pinson requires a_response by close of business Wednesday, Please do not hesitate to contact me

should you have any questions or wish to discuss the matter.

On Jun 1, 2012, at 2:35 PM, Paul Phillips <[email protected]> wrote:

FYI TBBuzz is not Peter's site. He has no affiliation with it.

Regards,

Paul M. Phillips, MSF, CFA

Ufa Zic<

From: Mark G. Rodriguez [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: June 1, 2012 3:06 PMTo: 'Mr. Paul Marshall Phillips' K^T—Subject: Schorsch/PinsonOn Jun 1, 2012, at 3:06 PM, "Mark G Rodriguez, Esq" <[email protected]> wrote:

It is specifiedin the agreement-page 2 first paragraph.

Mark G Rodriguez, Esq.

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From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Sunday, June 03,_2012Ji):52_AM

• To: Mark G Rodriguez, EsqSubject: Re: Pinson/Schorsch Settlement Agreement

What. They signed a deal saying tb buzz is peters web site now they say no? And they want to keep allup.

Fine. I have not signed deal tell them to return all money next week.

J. Michael Pinson, CEOPinson CommunicationsPinsonFoundation.orgSent from my iPhone

From: Paul Phillips [mailto:[email protected]]

To: Mark G. RodriguezSubject: RE: Pinson/Schorsch Settlement Agreement

Received your call. Our Trust account is in Tallahassee. I am, and ha\e been, in depos in Vero Beach allweek, but will instruct our offices to mail check to vour offices todav.

*— - - - - , , - ^ - . . , . L . I I - I"-—""- l l - ^ T I I - I" "' ""

Regards,

Paul M. Phillips, MSF, CFA

From: Mark G. Rodriguez [mailto:[email protected]]Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2012 9:46 AMTo: 'Mr. Paul Marshall Phillips'Subject: Schorsch/Pinson

Good morning Mr. Phillips,

Could you please confirm that the trust account check has been mailed to my office? As of yesterday'smail it has not been received. * ,

/V<5

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From: [email protected]:[email protected]]Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2012 7:30 PMTo: Mark RodriguezSubject: Paul Phillips Bar Complaint

Mark

This is to confirm your text [and phone conversation] tonight to me that as of today your law firmhas not received our funds held in trust from Paul Phillips law firm trust account. Also Mr Phillips toldyou back on June 8, 2012 that the monies from the trust account were being mailed to us in several daysWhen you called and emailed him about 10 days ago he never returned your call or email. I amproceeding with these facts in the bar complaint which will be filed tomorrow

I wish to also confirm that Paul Phillips co-drafted the Agreement in detail that he had his client PeterSchorsch sign under oath of perjury. After Phillips received the funds into his trust account he called youclaiming his client made a false statement in error under oath where Schorsch's signature was notarizedbut Phillip's wished to have us to change the agreement for him [where not everything would be removedfrom the Internet] and Schorsch keep the funds anyway. This lead to us canceling payment to theirfinancial demands and the deal Phillips agreed to return the monies in a few days after June 8th which wehave not received as of today.

J. Michael Pinson, CEOPinson CommunicationsPinsonFoundation.orgSent from my iPhone

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Mark G. Rodriguez, P.A.701 S. Howard Avenue. Suite 201 Jeeves Law Group P.A.Tampa, FL 33606

Telephone: 813-227-9642 Of Counsel for Personal Injury.Facsimile: 813-354-4402 Medical Malpractice, [email protected] Wrongful Deathwww.mgrlawoffices.com

May 23,2012

Paul PhillipsIgler & Dogherty, P.A.500 N.Westshore Blvd.STE 1010Tampa, FL 33609

Re: Your client Peter Schorsch

Dear Mr. Phillips,

Please find enclosed my Finn's Check No.: 1065 in the amount of Three Thousand TwoHundred Dollars ($3,200.00), said check payable to the Trust Account of Igler and Dogherty,PA. This check is being submitted pursuanTfo the Release of Claims and Settlement Agreementthat your client signed on May 10,2012 and which you submitted to my office on May 15,2012.

Pursuant to Paragraph II(a) of the Settlement Agreement, these funds are_not to be released toMr. Schorsch until Mr. Pinson provides to you the release specified in that Paragraph. Please donot hesitate to contact me should you have any questions.

Sincerely,

*-~^lark G. Rodriguez, Esq.

cc: Michael Pinson.