Attorney Suspended For Failure To Account For Monies Received In Bankruptcy Representation

An attorney has been suspended by the New York Appellate Division for the Third Judicial Department

Respondent is the subject of an investigation by the Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department (hereinafter AGC) regarding allegations that he has, among other things, failed to account for $17,500 that he received in connection with a client’s bankruptcy matter. Pursuant thereto, AGC directed respondent to provide, among other things, his attorney escrow account records. Respondent failed to produce the requested records and AGC thereafter successfully applied for a subpoena duces tecum from this Court, directing respondent to produce, among other things, the bank records associated with his receipt and deposit of the $17,500. Notwithstanding this Court’s subpoena, respondent again failed to provide AGC with the requested records…

AGC has submitted sufficient evidence establishing respondent’s failure to comply with AGC’s investigation. Respondent has failed to comply with AGC’s numerous lawful demands for the production of bank records, as well as this Court’s subpoena duces tecum directing him to produce a full and complete copy of his attorney escrow account records. We find that respondent’s noncompliance with AGC’s investigation immediately threatens the public interest.

 (mike Frisch)