FILED SUPREME COURT OF MISSISSIPPI Lt (BEFORE A COMPLAINT TRIBUNAL) —O*EGROF THE GLERK COURT OF APPEALS THE MISSISSIPPI BAR COMPLAINANT v. CAUSE NO. 2025-B-1028 CORY N. FERRAEZ RESPONDENT MOTION FOR INTERIM SUSPENSION FOR THREAT OF HARM The Mississippi Bar (“the Bar”) seeks an Interim Suspension of Cory N. Ferraez (“Mr Ferraez) in accordance with Rule 8.7 of the Rules of Discipline for the Mississippi State Bar (“MRD”) due to his misappropriation and failure to safekeep fands entrusted to him in at least two matters known to the Bar, as well as other ethical violations as follows: 1 On August 26, 2025, the Bar filed a Formal Complaint seeking Mr. Ferrae: suspension for a period greater than six months. 2. ‘The Formal complaint is based on two separate informal complaints where Mr. Ferraez received settlement funds on behalf of a client, failed to safekeep those funds entrusted to him, failed to deliver the funds to the client, and by at least one admitted account, converted those funds to another use and was unable to deliver same. 3. Mr. Ferraez has also failed and/or refused to provide any information to the Bar in the investigation of the nwo informal complaints.4, The violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct outlined in the Formal Complaint demonstrate a pattern of misconduct, such that the continued practice of law by Mr. Ferraez poses a threat of serious harm to the public and justifies his immediate suspension pending final disposition of the Formal Complaint as anticipated by Rule 8.7(a) and (0) 5. Additionally, Mr. Ferraez’s testimony before the Chancery Court of Petry County that he suffers from depression and addiction issues that severely limit his ability to practice law provides additional grounds for his immediate suspension under Rule 8.7(b). 6. Count I of the Formal Complaint is related to Mr. Ferraez’s failure to safekeep and deliver settlement funds to Jerome Jason Orloff. Mr. Ferraez received an insurance check in the amount of $38,784.46 for Mr. Orlof’s underinsured motorist claim in March 2023 and a second insurance check in the amount of $45,000.00 in November 2024. Mr. Ferraez’s own settlement disbursement sheet indicates $39,163.56 should have been disbursed to Mr. Orloff. ‘To date, Mr. Ferraez has not disbursed the full settlement amount of $39,163.56 to Mr. Orloff. A copy of the February 10, 2025, Settlement Disbursement Sheet and the two Farm Bureau checks are attached as Collective Exhibit 1. 7. Count II of the Formal Complaint involves Mr. Ferraez’s failure to safekeep and deliver settlement funds to Sylvia Weatherford, a wrongful death beneficiary. Mr. Ferraez received $450,000.00 in settlement of the wrongful death 2claim, After hearing testimony from Mrs. Weatherford, Chancellor Sheila Smallwood removed Mr. Ferraez as attorney for the estate and directed he immediately tender $450,000.00 to the Perry County Chancery Clerk by 5:00 p.m. on June 18, 2025. A copy of the Hearing Transcript from June 16, 2025, is attached as Exhibit 2. 8. Mr. Ferraez tendered only $214,831.23 and not until June 27, 2025. Ata subsequent hearing, Chancellor Smallwood adjusted the total amount due the estate and directed Mr, Fetraez to deposit the remaining $195,168.77 into the court registry. Mr. Ferraez. testified that he was unable to do so. A copy of the Hearing ‘Transcript from July 14, 2025, is attached as Exhibit 3, page 20. 9. Mr. Ferraez also testified at the July 14, 2025, hearing that he suffered from depression and addiction issues that severely limit his ability to practice law. See Exhibit 3, page 12-13 10. At the conclusion of the July 14, 2025, hearing, Mr. Ferraez was remanded to custody and later released on house arrest for 30 days or until he tendered the remaining sum of $48,033.77 to the Perry County Chancery Clerk. A copy of the Order of Release to House Arrest and Amending Purge Amount is attached as Exhibit 4, 11. The deadline for Mr. Ferraez to deliver the funds or return to the Perry County Jail expired Monday, August 24, 2025, and to date Mr. Ferraez has not deposited the remaining funds owed to Mrs. Weatherford.12, Mr. Ferraez has engaged in the “cardinal sin” of lawyering. In Reid » Mississippi Bar, the Supreme Coutt said in relation to stealing client funds: ‘There can be no more damaging evidence, however, as t0 a lawyer's fitness to practice law than mishandling a trust account. The personalities of lawyers are as wide and varied as the rest of the human race. They commit follies, they do things’ for which they later feel ashamed. Such errant conduct may or may not reflect upon an attorney's fitness to practice law. Dishonesty does. Brumfield ». Mississippi State Bar Ass'n, 497 So.2d 800 (Miss. 1986), and dishonest conduct by an attorney with his own client goes to the very core of a lawyer's fitness to practice law, Mississippi State Bar v. Odom, 566 So.2d 712, 717 (Miss. 1990) (Sullivan, J., dissenting). There can be no legal profession in the absence of scrupulous honesty by attorneys with other people's money. Public confidence here is vital. There may be worse sins, but the ultimate wrong of a lawyer to his profession is to divert clients' and thisd parties' funds entrusted to him to an unauthorized use. A lawyer guilty of such conduct exhibits a character trait totally at odds with the purposes, ideals and objectives of our profession. If creditors are hounding a lawyer, he can take bankruptcy. If he is hungry, he can go to the Salvation Army. But mishandling other peoples’ money is a thought he should never entertain Embezzlement is a felony in any event. Miss. Code Ann. Sec. 97-23-25 (1972). It is the capital crime of a lawyer to his profession. Odom, supra; Mississippi State Bar v. Moyo, 525 So.2d 1289 (Miss. 1988). 586 So. 2d 786, 788 (Miss. 1991).13. For these reasons Mr. Ferraez should be immediately suspended from the practice of law pending final disposition of the Formal Complaint as provided by Rule 8.7 of the Rules of Discipline. WHEREFORE, the Bar requests that the Tribunal enter a judgment immediately suspending Cory N. Ferraez from the practice of law pending final disposition of this disciplinary proceeding and direct Mr. Ferraez to preserve all evidence currently in his possession which may be discoverable in this matter. THE MISSISSIPPI BAR General Counsel Melissa Selman Scott (MSB No. 100990) General Counsel ‘The Mississippi Bar Post Office Box 2168 Jackson, MS 39225-2168 (601) 948-4471 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I certify that I have this day sent a copy of the above and foregoing to Respondent via first-class mail, postage ptepaid, and electronic mail at the following addresses: Coty N. Fereaez 204 W. Front Street Hattiesburg, MS 39401 [email protected] Dated this 26" day of August, 2025. Melissa Selman Scott 5Ferraez & Associates, PLLC Call Cory 208 W, Front Street | Hattiesburg MS, 39401 : (602) 915-2679 | F: (601) 620-0078 [email protected] February 10, 2025 Jorty Orloff 15 Carlsbad Drive Hattiesburg, MS 39402 Via Hand Delivery Re: UIM Settlement Jerome Orloff v. Mississippi Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company; Civil Action No.: 23-ev-00066 Dear Jerry: Ferraez & Associates, PLLC (“F&A”) and has received one check from Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company in the amount of $45,000.00, made payable to You and F&A as your attorneys for underinsured motorist coverage benefits under your policy in connection ‘with your claim arising from the motor vehicle collision which occurred on November 8, 2021 in Forrest County, Mississippi. This memorandum confirms the closing of this settlement and gives F&A express directions to distribute the settlement funds as set out below as F&A has explained to you. With your knowledge and consent, the check has been deposited in F&A’s attorney trust account and placed for collection. Once collected, you have instructed FAA to distribute the funds as detailed below. By signing this letter, you agree that the settlement funds should be disbursed as follows: ‘Two Check issued by Mississippi Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company to You and R&A: (Exhibit 1-Check Nos. 001100132 And 000895139) $83,784.46 Less: Attorney's Fees 40% post-suit contingency contract: Ferraez & Associates, PLLC $33,513.78 (Exhibit 2-Contraet of Employment) Less: Hard Costs to Date: (Exhibit 3-Current Expense Log) $388.36 Less: Elite PT LOP Bill: 35,674.78 (835% reduction obtained) Page 1 of3 EXHIBITLess: Hattiesburg Pain & Injury LOP Bill: $3,164.00 (30% reduction obtained) Less Optum/United Healthcare Lien: $1,879.98 (85% reduction obtained) Net settlement after distribution of Liens, Fees, and Costs: $39,163.56 ‘TOTAL FUNDS DISBURSED ‘883,784.46 By signing this memorandum, you warrant to us that you have not filed bankruptey at anytime on ot after the date of the injury. You further warrant that there are no medical liens or liens other than those listed above filed in connection with care or treatment necessitated by the injuries you suffered from the above referenced incident. Medical Bills/Liens: By signing this memorandum, you also agree that there may be outstanding medical bills and/or liens from treatment related to your injuries that you may be responsible for. While there are no statutory rights of recovery for Medicare/Medicaid purposes involved in your case, F&A and Stokes Law cannot guarantee that other medical bills or liens are not owed by you. You hereby agree that F&A is not responsible for any outstanding medical Dills/liens and you agree to indemnify and hold harmless F&A and Stokes Law should you owe any monies for these bills and liens or any recovery is attempted to recoup any bills oF liens by any third party or medical provider. “The law requires that this settlement be reported to state and federal authorities. We do not give tax advice and are not tax attomeys; however, your settlement will not likely be considered by state and federal authorities as taxable income such that you would owe income tax on the settlement, because itis a payment representing payment for bodily injury. Because we do not give tax advice, you should seek competent tax advice regarding any possible income tax consequences of this settlement. We also do not give investment advice, you should seek competent financial advice from a qualified professional. We will retain your legal files for a period of seven (7) years after we close our file, We reserve the right to retain copies of depositions, research, pleadings, and briefs. At the expirationof the seven (7) year period, we will destroy these files unless you notify us in writing that you wish to take possession of them. We reserve the right to charge administrative fees and costs with researching, retrieving, copying, and delivering such files. Please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have any legal issues in the future. It has been a pleasure representing ‘you both. Sincerely, 1s! Cory Ferraez CNFéemy Cory N. Ferraez, Enel Page 2 of 3Thave read the above letter and disbursement memorandum. I agree with, approve of andauthorize the disbursements as set forth in our disbursement memorandum. I acknowledge that Ferracz: & Associates, PLLC and Stokes Law Group, PLLC as my attorneys, performed valuable legal services on my behalf and eared their fees. I authorize Ferraez & Associates, PLLC to disburse fees to Ferraez & Associates, PLLC and Stokes Law Group, PLLC in accordance with the disbursement memorandum set forth above. I am pleased with the results of their efforts on my behalf. I instruct payment to be made as set out above. THIS the !O" day of February, 2025. Page 3 of 3eae ators eee dengan speeeene November 21,2026 VIAFEDEX: Cay. Femez ener Associate, PLLC 2 W Frnt Smet Hace, MS 35401 RE tmuretlCiimant Jemma Ona hi Baorstsace Beteoftoss ——1yoeranal Dear Davie ‘Thiscomespondence wl update yo canceng he shove cored mater, ‘eco please fod ihe setlemest chs ome 00110032 fr erm Clin he ao of 500008. ‘once recive, plese fora he exe Relate ad we wil prove yn wil copy of ‘Se and wil conor fe. Shou you have any guetion, ples do tothe lo oneroar ee, Wi det pena eguts, Seeety, BERRY, PLLC nt Ghussrry b Sanbens Peale SSUSISIPE FARM BUMEAU CASUALTY NGURANCE CO. cwscxvo OOLTOOTSE > 70, nox a seveoe FERRE FST EES ie aa emersoto 2001018 2H MISSISSIPPI FARM BUREAU CASUALTY INSURANCE CO. 1.0, BOX 1972 JACKSON, MS 39215-1972 JEROME ORLOFF 15 CARLSBAD DR HATTIESBURG MS 39402-7899 [ener — Rr ISSUED BY: Hal Hayes ave 230200032376 JEROME ORO AND PATTY ORLOFE [AND FERRAIZ.& ASSOCIATES PLLC SAA THIFIR ATTORNEY 23801585464 TSSURED RANE ‘GRECO. JEROME ORLOFF (000895139 CARAT OME JEROME ORLOFF FoR DETACH BEFORE DEPOSITING ca P.O. BOX 1972 JACKSON, MS 39215-1972 (601)987-3200 WULTaNty PAY ® rumeryeic te i TO sido ORLorr | eTHE AND PATTY ORLOFE | OROER AND FERRAEZ & ASSUCIALES Pt i OF : THEIR ALTORNEY | FOR MINCAMOF ROME ORL ome ro EN )* MISSISSIPP1 FARM BUREAU CASUALTY INSURANCE CO. THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED EIGIETY-FOUR DOLLARSAND a CHECK No. 000895139 CLARO. BAOISASAGE ao DATBOFEOSS "| 92021 38,784.46 DATERSED | NOT VALID AFTER 190 DAYS ‘O50 2003 PAY. ONLY "ne PERSONA ENDORSEMENT OF EACH AND EVERY PAYEE REQUURE Sipe t awIN THE CHANCERY COURT OF PERRY COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI IN RE THE ESTATE OF STEPHEN RAY FUZZY" WEATHERFORD, DECEASED NO.: 22-PR-00021-SM TRANSCRIPT OF THE PROCEEDINGS HAD AND DONE IN THE ABOVE-STYLED AND NUMBERED CAUSE BEFORE HONORABLE, SHEILA H. SMALLWOOD, CHANCELLOR, HELD IN FORREST COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI, ON THE 16TH DAY OF JUNE 2025. J. Stacy Head, CSR #1201 Official Court Reporter 10th Chancery Court District 98 Woodstone Drive Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39402 (601) 264-7558/520-2999 EXHIBIT yo 215 16 a7 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 PROCEEDINGS OF JUNE 16, 2025 THE COURT: We are here this morning in the matter of the Estate of Stephen Ray "Fuzzy" Weatherford. We're here today on a show cause order that the Court filed after some concerns came out about the estate and the funds that are supposed to be there representing wrongful death proceeds. Here and present in the courtroom today is Ms. Sylvia Weatherford. She is the widow of Fuzzy Weatherford. She's also the administrator of his estate. Also present today is Patrick -- will you tell me your full name, please? MR. PRINE: Patrick Wayne P; ine. THE COURT: Patrick Wayne Prine. He is the son of Ms. Sylvia Weatherford. And, Ms. Clifton, tell me your first name. MS. CLIFTON: Amanda Nicole Clifton. THE COURT: And you are Ms. Sylvia's daughter? MS. CLIFTON: Right. THE COURT: Okay. The show cause order was put into place -- it is document No. 44, It was filed on May 23rd of 2025. The show cause order basically indicates that this estate was opened more than three years ago to probate the intestate estate of Fuzzy Weatherford. There have been several filings12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 in the estate, including a third amended petition to authorize the settlement of the e: te, payment of final expenses and to distribute the estate assets. In November of 2024 counsel for Shelter Insurance reached out to Mr. Ferraez, the attorney for the estate and the attorney for the wrongful death claim of Mr. Weatherford -~ the attorney for Shelter Insurance reached out to schedule a conference about approving the wrongful death settlement. After much effort, Attorney Kelly ueod, who's the attorney for Shelter, reached out to the Court indicating her difficulty in getting in touch with Mr. Ferraez. She shared at that time wrongful death proceeds in the amount of $450,000 had been tendered to Mr. Ferraez to hold in his trust account pending the signing of a release and the closing of the estate. Ms. McLeod contacted our office, was unable to get in touch with Mr. Ferraez and requested that the Court sign a decree authorizing the settlement. I understand today that that case was mediated and the amount of $450,000 was agreed upon. So the Court did sign a decree authorizing settlement of wrongful death proceeds. The matter was set in December of 2024 here10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Forrest County, December 10th. The day before that hearing, Mr. Ferraez talked with my staff attorney and said that these lien issues had been resolved and that he would send me a proposed order. The Court never received an order to that effect. My staff attorney again requested an update from Mr. Ferraez on December 19th with no response On March the 19th of 2025, the Court demanded a settlement conference within two weeks. My cour! administrator provided dates to Mr. Ferraez. He did not respond to those dates presented. So the Court unilaterally set a settlement conference -- excuse me, a status conference for April 16th of 2025 here in Forrest County. Mr. Ferraez had his staff reach out to my office and indicate that he was stuck in North Mississippi on an unrelated matter but that he could appear by Zoom. We sent Mr. Ferraez a Zoom link but Mr. Ferraez indicated by an email at the scheduled Zoom time that he could not appear by Zoom because of spott! cellular service. Mr. Ferraez's staff then indicated that he was available April 30th, 2025 for a status conference. On April 30th, 2025, Mr. Ferraez again did not appear in court. For those reasons the Court issued a show cause