Resignation For Misuse Of Entrusted Funds

An attorney who misused a relatively small amount of entrusted funds has resigned from the New York Appellate Division for the First Judicial Department.

The court

Respondent states that he is aware that he is the subject of disciplinary charges currently pending before a Referee alleging that he misappropriated and/or intentionally converted funds belonging to others for his own use and benefit in violation of the New York Rules of Professional Conduct (22 NYCRR 1200.00), namely, rule 1.15(a) and rule 8.4(c).

Specifically, respondent acknowledges that during his May 13, 2015 examination under oath before the Committee he testified, inter alia, that he used approximately $2,400 that belonged to a client whom he represented in a dispute with his commercial landlord, for his own personal purposes. Respondent further testified that he used approximately $1,500 which belonged to an estate for his own personal purposes (see 22 NYCRR 603.11[a][2)). Respondent testified that he reimbursed both the client and the estate.

The attorney was admitted in 1987. (Mike Frisch)