A five-year suspension has been ordered by the New York Appellate Division for the Second Judicial Department

In determining an appropriate measure of discipline, despite the character evidence submitted, the respondent repeatedly made false representations to her clients and throughout this disciplinary process. Although the respondent touts her pro bono work with the immigrant community, her misconduct alarmingly affected particularly vulnerable clients who relied on her to provide the stability to remain in this country.

Under the totality of the circumstances, we find that a five-year suspension is warranted.

Fingings of the Special Referee

the Special Referee questioned the respondent’s judgment. First, in the midst of the personal distractions, the Special Referee questioned why the respondent did not substantially and aggressively reduce her practice and client base. The respondent’s neglect started as early as 2017. Yet, the respondent continued to take on new clients through 2019. Rather than fulfill her existing obligations to her retained clients and to her family, the respondent took on the additional burden of pro bono activities.

The respondent also showed poor judgment by using escrow checks to pay personal expenses for two months because she ran out of business checks. The Special Referee noted that the respondent could have ordered appropriate checks or paid her personal expenses in cash or by money order.

The Special Referee found the respondent’s argument that no client suffered any financial loss without merit since the respondent failed to repay her clients for years and did so only after she was charged, with one payment made the day before the hearing. Further demonstrating her poor judgment, the respondent did not address her responsibilities to her clients and to the Grievance Committee until she was disbarred.