Inattentive But Not Dishonest

The New York Appellate Division for the Fourth Judicial Department has censured an attorney who “overstated” time spent on assigned counsel matters.

The overstatements took place in 16 cases over an approximately 18 month period.

The referee found the misconduct was “the result of respondent’s inattentiveness and failure to make and keep accurate records, rather than fraud or deceit.”

The attorney had no prior discipline in 35 years of practice.

The Grievance Committee challenged the “no dishonesty” finding but the court deferred to the credibility findings of the referee. (Mike Frisch)