A Phone Call Worth Returning

An attorney whose sole alleged violation of ethics rules was failure to cooperate with a disciplinary investigation was disbarred by the New York Appellate Division for the Second Judicial Department:

On November 28, 2012, staff counsel for the Grievance Committee telephoned the respondent’s law firm and left a message for the respondent stating that it was imperative that she return staff counsel’s telephone call. Staff counsel did not receive a reply from the respondent, and placed another telephone call to the respondent’s law firm on November 29, 2012. Staff counsel spoke to the receptionist, who advised that she had relayed his earlier message to the respondent. Staff counsel advised that it was paramount that the respondent call him as soon as possible.

To date, the respondent has failed to call the Grievance Committee or submit an answer to the petition.

A copy of the instant motion was personally served on the respondent on December 10, 2012. The respondent has failed to respond to the motion or move for additional time in which to submit a response.

Accordingly, the Grievance Committee’s motion is granted, the charge in the petition is deemed established, and, effective immediately, the respondent is disbarred upon her default, and her name is stricken from the roll of attorneys and counselors-at-law.

The attorney had twice been admonished for similar violations. (Mike Frisch)