False Notarizations Draw Public Censure

A public censure has been imposed by the New York Appellate Division for the Second Judicial Department

At all relevant times, the respondent was an associate at the Law Office of Thomas Liotti (hereinafter the firm). The firm represented Susanne Gold-Smith in three actions in Nassau County Supreme Court. During the course of those matters, from in or about April 2018, through in or about January 2019, the respondent notarized 11 affidavits purportedly signed by Gold-Smith. Gold-Smith, however, had not signed the affidavits. Rather, the affidavits were signed by the respondent using an electronic signature outside of Gold-Smith’s presence. Thereafter, the respondent filed, or caused to be filed, the affidavits with the court.

Respondent had conditionally admitted the misconduct

In mitigation, the respondent asserts, among other things, that this Court should consider that her misconduct was not of a venal nature; her remorse; evidence of her good character; her cooperation with the Grievance Committee’s investigation; and her lack of any prior disciplinary history.

As to the appropriate sanction, the parties contend that a public censure is in accord with precedent from this Court under similar circumstances.

(Mike Frisch)