Sarasota attorney suspended for having sex with client

SARASOTA -- A Sarasota attorney was suspended for 30 days after he had sex with a woman he was representing, according to the Florida Bar.

Ralph Friedland, who has an office on 1605 Main St. in Sarasota, reportedly agreed to represent a woman he once dated in a contested will case. The week before the trial the two engaged in "sexual conduct."

Friedland thought the case was weak and had no experience in contested will cases.

The judge ruled against his client, and the woman complained that he failed to properly prepare for and represent her at trial.

Friedland was admitted to practice in 1983. His 30-day suspension has already ended, since it was effective after a Jan. 28 court order.

This story was originally published April 1, 2016 at 1:00 PM with the headline "Sarasota attorney suspended for having sex with client ."