Restored To Practice

An attorney who had been suspended for two years was reinstated to practice by the New York Appellate Division for the Second Judicial Department.

By decision and order on motion of this Court dated January 5, 2015, Mr. Galasso’s motion for reinstatement was held in abeyance, and the matter was referred to the Committee on Character and Fitness to investigate and report on his current character and general fitness to practice law, including, but not limited to, the efforts he made towards restitution, his remorse, and the nature of his valuation business, which he operated from his former law office.

Upon the papers filed in support of the motion and the papers filed in relation thereto, and upon the report of the Committee on Character and Fitness and the exhibits annexed thereto, it is

ORDERED that the motion is granted on condition that on or before January 22, 2016, Peter John Galasso file with the Clerk of this Court proof of payment of attorney registration fee arrears, as well as payment for the current registration period; and it is further,

ORDERED that upon receipt of proof of payment, as directed above, the Clerk of the Court shall restore the name of Peter John Galasso to the roll of attorneys and counselors-at-law, and Peter John Galasso shall be reinstated as an attorney and counselor-at-law.

A partner of the petitioner was suspended for six months.

The misconduct involved theft committed by petitioner’s brother/bookkeeper

In determining an appropriate measure of discipline to impose, the Court notes the respondent’s testimony as to the negative impact the conduct of his bookkeeper and brother, Anthony Galasso, has had on his personal and professional life; the changes he has made with respect to his business practices; his cooperation in connection with the criminal prosecution of his bookkeeper and brother, Anthony Galasso; and his pursuit of lawsuits against, among others, Signature Bank, in an effort to reclaim the misappropriated Baron funds, as well as the funds misappropriated from the estate and from Adele Fabrizio. In addition, the Court considered the 37 letters of good character submitted on the respondent’s behalf.

(Mike Frisch)