Supreme Court, Appellate Division, All Departments
Part 1240. RULES FOR ATTORNEY DISCIPLINARY MATTERS (effective October 1, 2016)
§ 1240.1 Application
These Rules shall apply to (a) all attorneys who are admitted to practice in the State of New York; (b) all in-house counsel registered in the State of New York; (c) all legal consultants licensed in the State of New York; (d) all attorneys who have an office in, practice in, or seek to practice in the State of New York, including those who are engaged in temporary practice pursuant to Part 523 of this Title, who are admitted pro hac vice, or who otherwise engage in conduct subject to the New York Rules of Professional Conduct; and (e) the law firms that have as a member, retain, or otherwise employ any person covered by these Rules.
§ 1240.2 Definitions
(a) Professional Misconduct Defined. A violation of any of the Rules of Professional Conduct, as set forth in Part 1200 of this Title, including the violation of any rule or announced standard of the Appellate Division governing the personal or professional conduct of attorneys, shall constitute professional misconduct within the meaning of Judiciary Law § 90(2).
(b) Admonition: discipline issued at the direction of a Committee or the Court pursuant to these Rules, where the respondent has engaged in professional misconduct that does not warrant public discipline by the Court. An Admonition shall constitute private discipline, shall be in writing, may be delivered to a recipient by personal appearance before the Committee or its Chairperson, and may be considered by a Committee or the Court in determining the action to be taken or the discipline to be imposed upon a subsequent finding of misconduct.
(c) Censure: censure pursuant to Judiciary Law § 90(2).
(d) Committee: an attorney grievance committee established pursuant to these Rules.
(e) Complainant: a person or entity that submits a complaint to a Committee.
(f) Court: the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York for the Judicial Department having jurisdiction over a complaint, investigation, proceeding or person covered by these Rules.
(g) Disbar; Disbarment: to remove, or the removal, from office pursuant to Judiciary Law § 90(2). Such terms shall also apply to any removal based upon a resignation for disciplinary reasons, a felony conviction, or the striking of an attorney’s name from the roll of attorneys for any disciplinary reason, as stated in these Rules.
(h) Foreign jurisdiction: a legal jurisdiction of a state (other than New York State), territory, or district of the United States, and all federal courts of the United States, including those within the State of New York.
(i) Letter of Advisement: letter issued at the direction of a Committee pursuant to section 1240.7(d)(2)(iv) of these Rules, upon a finding that the respondent has engaged in conduct requiring comment that, under the facts of the case, does not warrant the imposition of discipline. A Letter of Advisement shall be confidential and shall not constitute discipline, but may be considered by a Committee or the Court in determining the action to be taken or the discipline to be imposed upon a subsequent finding of misconduct.
(j) Respondent: a law firm, an attorney or other person that is the subject of an investigation or a proceeding before the Committee or the Court pursuant to these Rules.
(k) Suspension: the imposition of suspension from practice pursuant to Judiciary Law § 90(2).
§ 1240.3 Discipline Under These Rules Not Preclusive
Discipline pursuant to these Rules shall not bar or preclude further or other action by any court, bar association, or other entity with disciplinary authority.
§ 1240.4 Appointment of Committees
Each Department of the Appellate Division shall appoint such Attorney Grievance Committee or Committees (hereinafter referred to as “Committee”) within its jurisdiction as it may deem appropriate. Each Committee shall be comprised of at least 21 members, of which no fewer than 3 members shall be non-lawyers. A lawyer member of a Committee shall be appointed to serve as Chairperson. All members of the Committee shall reside or maintain an office within the geographic jurisdiction of the Committee. Two-thirds of the membership of a Committee shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of business; all Committee action shall require the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the members present.
§ 1240.5 Committee Counsel and Staff
Each Department of the Appellate Division shall appoint to a Committee or Committees such chief attorneys and other staff as it deems appropriate.
§ 1240.6 Conflicts; Disqualifications from Representation
(a) No (1) current member of a Committee, (2) partner, associate or member of a law firm associated with a current member of a Committee, (3) current member of a Committee’s professional staff, or (4) immediate family member of a current Committee member or Committee staff member, may represent a respondent or complainant in a matter investigated or prosecuted before that Committee.
(b) No referee appointed to hear and report on the issues raised in a proceeding under these Rules may, in the Department in which he or she was appointed, represent a respondent or complainant until the expiration of two years from the date of the submission of that referee’s final report.
(c) No former member of the Committee, or former member of the Committee’s professional staff, may represent a respondent or complainant in a matter investigated or prosecuted by that Committee until the expiration of two years from that person’s last date of Committee service.
(d) No former member of the Committee, or former member of the Committee’s professional staff, may represent a respondent or complainant in any matter in which the Committee member or staff member participated personally while in the Committee’s service.
§ 1240.7 Proceedings Before Committees
(a) Complaint
(1) Investigations of professional misconduct may be authorized upon receipt by a Committee of a written original complaint, signed by the complainant, which need not be verified. Investigations may also be authorized by a Committee acting sua sponte.
(2) The complaint shall be filed initially in the Judicial Department encompassing the respondent’s registration address on file with the Office of Court Administration. If that address lies outside New York State, the complaint shall be filed in the Judicial Department in which the respondent was admitted to the practice of law or otherwise professionally licensed in New York State. The Committee or the Court may transfer a complaint or proceeding to another Department or Committee as justice may require.
(b) Investigation; Disclosure. The Chief Attorney is authorized to:
(1) interview witnesses and obtain any records and other materials and information necessary to determine the validity of a complaint;
(2) direct the respondent to provide a written response to the complaint, and to appear and produce records before the Chief Attorney or a staff attorney for a formal interview or examination under oath;
(3) apply to the Clerk of the Court for a subpoena to compel the attendance of a person as a respondent or witness, or the production of relevant books and papers, when it appears that the examination of such person or the production of such books and papers is necessary for a proper determination of the validity of a complaint. Subpoenas shall be issued by the Clerk in the name of the Presiding Justice and may be made returnable at a time and place specified therein; and
(4) take any other action deemed necessary for the proper disposition of a complaint.
(c) Disclosure. The Chief Attorney shall provide to the respondent a copy of any complaint not otherwise disposed of pursuant to section 1240.7(d)(1) of these Rules within 60 days of receipt of that complaint. Prior to the taking of any action against a respondent pursuant to sections 1240.7(d)(2)(iv), (v) or (vi) of these Rules, the Chief Attorney shall provide the respondent with the opportunity to review all written statements and other documents that form the basis of the proposed Committee action, excepting material that is attorney work product or otherwise deemed privileged by statute or case law, and materials previously provided to the Committee by the respondent.
(d) Disposition.
(1) Disposition by the Chief Attorney.
(i) The Chief Attorney may, after initial screening, decline to investigate a complaint for reasons including but not limited to the following: (A) the matter involves a person or conduct not covered by these Rules; (B) the allegations, if true, would not constitute professional misconduct; (C) the complaint seeks a legal remedy more appropriately obtained in another forum; or (D) the allegations are intertwined with another pending legal action or proceeding. The complainant shall be provided with a brief description of the basis of any disposition of a complaint by the Chief Attorney.
(ii) The Chief Attorney may, when it appears that a complaint involves a fee dispute, a matter suitable for mediation, or a matter suitable for review by a bar association grievance committee, refer the complaint to a suitable alternative forum upon notice to the respondent and the complainant.
(2) Disposition by the Committee. After investigation of a complaint, with such appearances as the Committee may direct, a Committee may take one or more of the following actions:
(i) dismiss the complaint by letter to the complainant and to the respondent;
(ii) when it appears that a complaint involves a fee dispute, a matter suitable for mediation, or a matter suitable for review by a bar association grievance committee, refer the complaint to a suitable alternative forum upon notice to the respondent and the complainant;
(iii) make an application for diversion pursuant to section 1240.11 of these Rules;
(iv) when the Committee finds that the respondent has engaged in conduct requiring comment that, under the facts of the case, does not warrant imposition of discipline, issue a Letter of Advisement to the respondent;
(v) when the Committee finds, by a fair preponderance of the evidence, that the respondent has engaged in professional misconduct, but that public discipline is not required to protect the public, maintain the integrity and honor of the profession, or deter the commission of similar misconduct, issue a written Admonition to the respondent, which shall clearly state the facts forming the basis for such finding, and the specific rule or other announced standard that was violated. Prior to the imposition of an Admonition, the Committee shall give the respondent 20 days’ notice by mail of the Committee’s proposed action and shall, at the respondent’s request, provide the respondent an opportunity to appear personally before the Committee, or a subcommittee thereof, on such terms as the Committee deems just, to seek reconsideration of the proposed Admonition.
(vi) when the Committee finds that there is probable cause to believe that the respondent engaged in professional misconduct warranting the imposition of public discipline, and that such discipline is appropriate to protect the public, maintain the integrity and honor of the profession, or deter others from committing similar misconduct, authorize a formal disciplinary proceeding as set forth in section 1240.8 of these Rules.
(3) As may be permitted by law, the complainant shall be provided with a brief description of the basis of any disposition of a complaint by the Committee.
(e) Review.
(1) Letter of Advisement.
(i) Within 30 days of the issuance of a Letter of Advisement, the respondent may file a written request for reconsideration with the chair of the Committee, with a copy to the Chief Attorney. Oral argument of the request shall not be permitted. The Chair shall have the discretion to deny reconsideration, or refer the request to the full Committee, or a subcommittee thereof, for whatever action it deems appropriate.
(ii) Within 30 days of the final determination denying a request for reconsideration, the respondent may seek review of a Letter of Advisement by submitting an application to the Court, on notice to the Committee, upon a showing that the issuance of the letter was in violation of a fundamental constitutional right. The respondent has the burden of establishing a violation of such a right.
(2) Admonition. Within 30 days of the issuance of an Admonition, the respondent may make an application to the Court, on notice to the Committee, to vacate the Admonition. Upon such application and the Committee’s response, if any, the Court may consider the entire record and take whatever action it deems appropriate.
(3) Review of Dismissal or Declination to Investigate. Within 30 days of the issuance of notice to a complainant of a Chief Attorney’s decision declining to investigate a complaint, or of a Committee’s dismissal of a complaint, the complainant may submit a written request for reconsideration to the chair of the Committee. Oral argument of the request shall not be permitted. The Chair shall have the discretion to grant or deny reconsideration, or refer the request to the full Committee, or a subcommittee thereof, for whatever action it deems appropriate.
(4) As permitted by law, a respondent or complainant who has submitted a request for review pursuant to this section shall be provided with a brief description of the basis for the determination of such request. In the event that such review results in a change in the outcome of a determination, any respondent or complainant adversely affected thereby shall be provided with a brief description of the basis for the determination.
§ 1240.8 Proceedings in the Appellate Division
(a) Procedure for formal disciplinary proceedings in the Appellate Division.
(1) Formal disciplinary proceedings shall be deemed special proceedings within the meaning of CPLR Article 4, and shall be conducted in a manner consistent with the rules of the Court, the rules and procedures set forth in this Part, and the requirements of Judiciary Law § 90. Unless otherwise directed by the Court, there shall be (i) a notice of petition and petition, which the Committee shall serve upon the respondent in a manner consistent with Judiciary Law § 90(6), and which shall be returnable on no less than 20 days’ notice; (ii) an answer; and (iii) a reply if appropriate. Except upon consent of the parties or by leave of the Court or referee, no other pleadings or amendment or supplement of pleadings shall be permitted. All pleadings shall be filed with the Court. The Court shall permit or require such appearances as it deems necessary in each case.
(2) Statement of Disputed Facts. Within 20 days after service of the answer or, if applicable, a reply, the Committee shall file with the Court a statement of facts that identifies those allegations that the Committee contends are undisputed and those allegations that the party contends are disputed and for which a hearing is necessary. Within 20 days following submission by the Committee, the respondent shall respond to the Committee’s statement and, if appropriate, set forth respondent’s statement of facts identifying those allegations that the respondent contends are undisputed and those allegations that the respondent contends are disputed and for which a hearing is necessary. In the alternative, within 30 days after service of the answer or, if applicable, a reply, the parties may (i) file a joint statement advising the Court that the pleadings raise no issue of fact requiring a hearing, or (ii) file a joint stipulation of disputed and undisputed facts.
(3) Disclosure Concerning Disputed Facts. Except as otherwise ordered by the Court, a party must, no later than 14 days after filing a statement of facts with the Court as required by section 1240.8(a)(2) of these Rules, provide to any other party disclosure concerning the allegations that the party contends are disputed. The disclosure shall identify the following:
(i) the name of each individual likely to have relevant and discoverable information that the disclosing party may use to support or contest the disputed allegation and a general description of the information likely possessed by that individual; and
(ii) a copy of each document that the disclosing party has in its possession or control that the party may use to support or contest the allegation, unless copying such documents would be unduly burdensome or expensive, in which case the disclosing party may provide a description of the documents by category and location, together with an opportunity to inspect and copy such documents.
(4) Subpoenas. Upon application by the Committee or the respondent, the Clerk of the Court may issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and the production of books and papers before Court or the referee designated by the Court to conduct a hearing on the issues raised in the proceeding, at a time and place therein specified. When there is good cause to believe that a potential witness will be unavailable at the time of a hearing, the testimony of that witness may be initiated and conducted, and used at the hearing, in a manner provided by Article 31 of the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules.
(5) Discipline by Consent.
(i) At any time after the filing of the petition with proof of service, the parties may file a joint motion with the Court requesting the imposition of discipline by consent. The joint motion shall include:
(A) a stipulation of facts;
(B) the respondent’s conditional admission of the acts of professional misconduct and the specific rules or standards of conduct violated;
(C) any relevant aggravating and mitigating factors, including the respondent’s prior disciplinary record; and
(D) the agreed upon discipline to be imposed, which may include monetary restitution authorized by Judiciary Law § 90(6-a).
(ii) The joint motion shall be accompanied by an affidavit of the respondent acknowledging that the respondent:
(A) conditionally admits the facts set forth in the stipulation of facts;
(B) consents to the agreed upon discipline;
(C) gives the consent freely and voluntarily without coercion or duress; and
(D) is fully aware of the consequences of consenting to such discipline.
(iii) Notice of the joint motion, without its supporting papers, shall be served upon the referee, if one has been appointed, and all proceedings shall be stayed pending the Court’s determination of the motion. If the motion is granted, the Court shall issue a decision imposing discipline upon the respondent based on the stipulated facts and as agreed upon in the joint motion. If the motion is denied, the conditional admissions shall be deemed withdrawn and shall not be used against the respondent or the Committee in the pending proceeding.
(b) Disposition by Appellate Division.
(1) Hearing. Upon application of any party, or on its own motion, the Court may refer a formal disciplinary proceeding to a referee for a hearing on any issue that the Court deems appropriate. The referee may grant requests for additional disclosure as justice may require. Unless otherwise directed by the Court, the referee shall complete the hearing within 60 days following the date of the entry of the order of reference, and shall, following post-hearing submissions, file with the Court a written report setting forth the referee’s findings and recommendations. Formal disciplinary charges may be sustained when the referee finds, by a fair preponderance of the evidence, each essential element of the charge. The parties may make such motions to affirm or disaffirm the referee’s report as permitted by the Court.
(2) Discipline. In presenting arguments on the issue of appropriate discipline for misconduct, the parties may cite any relevant factor, including but not limited to the nature of the misconduct, aggravating and mitigating circumstances, the parties’ contentions regarding the appropriate sanction under the American Bar Association’s Standards for Imposing Lawyer Sanctions, and applicable case law and precedent. Upon a finding that any person covered by these Rules has committed professional misconduct, the Court may impose discipline or take other action that is authorized by law and, in the discretion of the Court, is appropriate to protect the public, maintain the honor and integrity of the profession, or deter others from committing similar misconduct.
(c) Applications and Motions to the Appellate Division
Unless otherwise specified by these Rules, applications and motions shall be made in accordance with the rules of the Court in which the proceeding is pending.
§ 1240.9 Interim Suspension While Investigation or Proceeding is Pending
(a) A respondent may be suspended from practice on an interim basis during the pendency of an investigation or proceeding on application or motion of a Committee, following personal service upon the respondent, or by substitute service in a manner approved by the Presiding Justice, and upon a finding by the Court that the respondent has engaged in conduct immediately threatening the public interest. Such a finding may be based upon: (1) the respondent’s default in responding to a petition, notice to appear for formal interview, examination, or pursuant to subpoena under these Rules; (2) the respondent’s admission under oath to the commission of professional misconduct; (3) the respondent’s failure to comply with a lawful demand of the Court or a Committee in an investigation or proceeding under these Rules; (4) the respondent’s willful failure or refusal to pay money owed to a client, which debt is demonstrated by an admission, judgment, or other clear and convincing evidence; or (5) other uncontroverted evidence of professional misconduct.
(b) An application for suspension pursuant to this rule may provide notice that a respondent who is suspended under this rule and who has failed to respond to or appear for further investigatory or disciplinary proceedings within six months from the date of the order of suspension may be disbarred by the Court without further notice.
(c) Any order of interim suspension entered by the Court shall set forth the basis for the suspension and provide the respondent with an opportunity for a post-suspension hearing.
(d) An order of interim suspension together with any decision issued pursuant to this subdivision shall be deemed a public record. The papers upon which any such order is based shall be deemed confidential pursuant to Judiciary Law § 90(10).
§ 1240.10 Resignation While Investigation or Proceeding is Pending
(a) A respondent may apply to resign by submitting to a Court an application in the form in Appendix A to these Rules, with proof of service on the Committee, setting forth the specific nature of the charges or the allegations under investigation and attesting that:
(1) the proposed resignation is rendered voluntarily, without coercion or duress, and with full awareness of the consequences, and that the Court’s approval of the application shall result in the entry of an order disbarring the respondent; and
(2) the respondent cannot successfully defend against the charges or allegations of misconduct.
(b) When the investigation or proceeding includes allegations that the respondent has willfully misappropriated or misapplied money or property in the practice of law, the respondent in the application shall:
(1) identify the person or persons whose money or property was willfully misappropriated or misapplied;
(2) specify the value of such money or property; and
(3) consent to the entry of an order requiring the respondent to make monetary restitution pursuant to Judiciary Law § 90(6-a).
(c) Upon receipt of an application for resignation, and after affording the Committee an opportunity to respond, the Court may accept the resignation and remove the respondent from office by order of disbarment pursuant to Judiciary Law § 90(2).
§ 1240.11 Diversion to a Monitoring Program
(a) When in defense or as a mitigating factor in an investigation or formal disciplinary charges, the respondent raises a claim of impairment based on alcohol or substance abuse, or other mental or physical health issues, the Court, upon application of any person or on its own motion, may stay the investigation or proceeding and direct the respondent to complete an appropriate treatment and monitoring program approved by the Court. In making such a determination, the Court shall consider:
(1) the nature of the alleged misconduct;
(2) whether the alleged misconduct occurred during a time period when the respondent suffered from the claimed impairment; and
(3) whether diverting the respondent to a monitoring program is in the public interest.
(b) Upon submission of written proof of successful completion of the monitoring program, the Court may direct the discontinuance or resumption of the investigation, charges or proceeding, or take other appropriate action. In the event the respondent fails to comply with the terms of a Court-ordered monitoring program, or the respondent commits additional misconduct during the pendency of the investigation or proceeding, the Court may, after affording the parties an opportunity to be heard, rescind the order of diversion and direct resumption of the disciplinary charges or investigation.
(c) All aspects of a diversion application or a respondent’s participation in a monitoring program pursuant to this rule and any records related thereto are confidential or privileged pursuant to Judiciary Law §§ 90(10) and 499.
(d) Any costs associated with a respondent’s participation in a monitoring program pursuant to this section shall be the responsibility of the respondent.
§ 1240.12 Attorneys Convicted of a Crime
(a) An attorney to whom the rules of this Part shall apply who has been found guilty of any crime in a court of the United States or any state, territory or district thereof, whether by plea of guilty or nolo contendere, or by verdict following trial, shall, within 30 days thereof notify the Committee having jurisdiction pursuant to section 1240.7(a)(2) of these Rules of the fact of such finding. Such notification shall be in writing and shall be accompanied by a copy of any judgment, order or certificate of conviction memorializing such finding of guilt. The attorney shall thereafter provide the Committee with any further documentation, transcripts or other materials the Committee shall deem necessary to further its investigation. The obligations imposed by this rule shall neither negate nor supersede the obligations set forth in Judiciary Law § 90(4)(c).
(b) Upon receipt of proof that an attorney has been found guilty of any crime described in subdivision (a) of this section, the Committee shall investigate the matter and proceed as follows:
(1) If the Committee concludes that the crime in question is not a felony or serious crime, it may take any action it deems appropriate pursuant to section 1240.7 of these Rules.
(2) If the Committee concludes that the crime in question is a felony or serious crime as those terms are defined in Judiciary Law § 90(4), it shall promptly apply to the Court for an order (i) striking the respondent’s name from the roll of attorneys; or (ii) suspending the respondent pending further proceedings pursuant to these Rules and issuance of a final order of disposition.
(c) Upon application by the Committee, and after the respondent has been afforded an opportunity to be heard on the application, including any appearances that the Court may direct, the Court shall proceed as follows:
(1) Upon the Court’s determination that the respondent has committed a felony within the meaning of Judiciary Law § 90(4)(e), the Court shall strike the respondent’s name from the roll of attorneys.
(2) Upon the Court’s determination that the respondent has committed a serious crime within the meaning of Judiciary Law § 90(4)(d),
(i) the Court may direct that the respondent show cause why a final order of suspension, censure or disbarment should not be made; and
(ii) the Court may suspend the respondent pending final disposition unless such a suspension would be inconsistent with the maintenance of the integrity and honor of the profession, the protection of the public and the interest of justice; and
(iii) the Court, upon the request of the respondent, shall refer the matter to a referee or judge appointed by the Court for hearing, report and recommendation; and
(iv) the Court, upon the request of the Committee or upon its own motion, may refer the matter to a referee or judge appointed by the Court for hearing, report and recommendation; and
(v) after the respondent has been afforded an opportunity to be heard, including any appearances that the Court may direct, the Court shall impose such discipline as it deems proper under the circumstances.
(3) Upon the Court’s determination that the respondent has committed a crime not constituting a felony or serious crime, it may remit the matter to the Committee to take any action it deems appropriate pursuant to section 1240.7 of these Rules, or direct the commencement of a formal proceeding pursuant to section 1240.8 of these Rules.
(d) A certificate of the conviction of a respondent for any crime shall be conclusive evidence of the respondent’s guilt of that crime in any disciplinary proceeding instituted against the respondent based on the conviction.
(e) Applications for reinstatement or to modify or vacate any order issued pursuant to this section shall be made pursuant to section 1240.16 of these Rules.
§ 1240.13 Discipline for Misconduct in a Foreign Jurisdiction
(a) Upon application by a Committee containing proof that a person or firm covered by these Rules has been disciplined by a foreign jurisdiction, the Court shall direct that person or firm to demonstrate, on terms it deems just, why discipline should not be imposed in New York for the underlying misconduct.
(b) The respondent may file an affidavit stating defenses to the imposition of discipline and raising any mitigating factors. Any or all of the following defenses may be raised:
(1) that the procedure in the foreign jurisdiction was so lacking in notice or opportunity to be heard as to constitute a deprivation of due process; or
(2) that there was such an infirmity of proof establishing the misconduct as to give rise to the clear conviction that the Court could not, consistent with its duties, accept as final the finding in the foreign jurisdiction as to the respondent’s misconduct; or
(3) that the misconduct for which the respondent was disciplined in the foreign jurisdiction does not constitute misconduct in New York.
(c) After the respondent has had an opportunity to be heard, and upon review of the order entered by the foreign jurisdiction, and the record of the proceeding in that jurisdiction, if such record or part thereof is submitted by a party and deemed relevant by the Court, the Court may discipline the respondent for the misconduct committed in the foreign jurisdiction unless it finds that the procedure in the foreign jurisdiction deprived the respondent of due process of law, that there was insufficient proof that the respondent committed the misconduct, or that the imposition of discipline would be unjust.
(d) Any person or firm to whom these Rules shall apply who has been disciplined in a foreign jurisdiction shall, within 30 days after such discipline is imposed, advise the appropriate Court (as described in section 1240.7(a)(2) of these Rules) and Committee of such discipline. Such notification shall be in writing and shall be accompanied by any judgment, order or certificate memorializing the discipline imposed. The person or firm shall thereafter provide the Committee with any further documentation, transcripts or other materials the Committee shall deem necessary to further its investigation.
§ 1240.14 Attorney Incapacity
(a) Upon application by a Committee that includes proof of a judicial determination that a respondent is in need of involuntary care or treatment in a facility for the mentally disabled, or is the subject of an order of incapacity, retention, commitment or treatment pursuant to the Mental Hygiene Law, the Court may enter an order immediately suspending the respondent from the practice of law. The Committee shall serve a copy of the order upon the respondent, a guardian appointed on behalf of the respondent or upon the director of the appropriate facility, as directed by the Court.
(b) At any time during the pendency of a disciplinary proceeding or an investigation conducted pursuant to these Rules, the Committee, or the respondent, may apply to the Court for a determination that the respondent is incapacitated from practicing law by reason of mental disability or condition, alcohol or substance abuse, or any other condition that renders the respondent incapacitated from practicing law. Applications by respondents shall include medical proof demonstrating incapacity. The Court may appoint a medical expert to examine the respondent and render a report. When the Court finds that a respondent is incapacitated from practicing law, the Court shall enter an order immediately suspending the respondent from the practice of law and may stay the pending proceeding or investigation. Upon reinstatement of the incapacitated attorney pursuant to § 1240.17 of these rules, the Court may take such action as it deems advisable, including a direction for the resumption of the proceeding or investigation.
§ 1240.15 Conduct of Disbarred or Suspended Attorneys
(a) Prohibition Against Practicing Law. Attorneys disbarred or suspended shall comply with Judiciary Law §§ 478, 479, 484 and 486. After entry of an order of disbarment or suspension, the affected respondent shall not accept any new retainer or engage in any new case or legal matter of any nature as attorney for another. However, during the period between the entry date of the order and its effective date, the respondent may wind up and complete, on behalf of any client, all matters which were pending on the entry date.
(b) Notification of Clients. Within 10 days of the date of entry of an order of suspension or disbarment, the affected respondent shall notify, by certified mail and, where practical, electronic mail, each client of the respondent, the attorney for each party in any pending matter, the court in any pending matter, and the Office of Court Administration for each action where a retainer statement has been filed pursuant to court rules. The notice shall state that the respondent is unable to act as counsel due to disbarment or suspension. A notice to a respondent’s client shall advise the client to obtain new counsel. A notice to counsel for a party in a pending action, or to the Office of Court Administration in connection with an action where a retainer statement has been filed pursuant to court rule, shall include the name and address of the respondent’s client. Where counsel has been appointed by a court, notice shall also be provided to the appointing court.
(c) Duty to Return Property and Files. Within 30 days of the date of entry of the order of suspension or disbarment, the affected respondent shall deliver to all respondent’s clients or third parties, or to a successor attorney designated by such clients or third parties, all money and property (including legal files) in the possession of the respondent to which such clients or third parties are entitled.
(d) Discontinuation of Attorney Advertising. Within 30 days of the date of entry of the order of suspension or disbarment, the affected respondent shall discontinue all public and private notices through advertising, office stationery and signage, email signatures, voicemail messages, social media, and other methods, that assert that the respondent may engage in the practice of law.
(e) Forfeiture of Secure Pass. Within 30 days of the date of entry of the order of suspension or disbarment, the affected respondent shall surrender to the Office of Court Administration any Attorney Secure Pass issued to him or her.
(f) Affidavit of Compliance. Within 45 days after the date of service of the order of disbarment or suspension, the affected respondent shall file with the Court, together with proof of service upon the Committee, an affidavit in the form in Appendix B to these Rules showing a current mailing address for the respondent and that the respondent has complied with the order and these Rules.
(g) Compensation. A respondent who has been disbarred or suspended from the practice of law may not share in any fee for legal services rendered by another attorney during the period of disbarment or suspension but may be compensated on a quantum meruit basis for services rendered prior to the effective date of the disbarment or suspension. On motion of the respondent, with notice to the respondent’s client, the amount and manner of compensation shall be determined by the court or agency where the action is pending or, if an action has not been commenced, at a special term of the Supreme Court in the county where the respondent maintained an office. The total amount of the legal fee shall not exceed the amount that the client would have owed if no substitution of counsel had been required.
(h) Required Records. A respondent who has been disbarred or suspended from the practice of law shall keep and maintain records of the respondent’s compliance with this rule so that, upon any subsequent proceeding instituted by or against the respondent, proof of compliance with this rule and with the disbarment or suspension order or with the order accepting resignation will be available.
§ 1240.16 Reinstatement of Disbarred or Suspended Attorneys
(a) Upon motion by a respondent who has been disbarred or suspended, with notice to the Committee and the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection, and following such other notice and proceedings as the Court may direct, the Court may issue an order reinstating such respondent upon a showing, by clear and convincing evidence, that: the respondent has complied with the order of disbarment, suspension or the order removing the respondent from the roll of attorneys; the respondent has complied with the rules of the court; the respondent has the requisite character and fitness to practice law; and it would be in the public interest to reinstate the respondent to the practice of law. Within thirty days of the date on which the application was served upon the Committee, or within such longer time as the Court may allow, the Committee may file an affidavit in relation thereto.
(b) Necessary papers. Papers on an application for reinstatement of a respondent who has been disbarred or suspended for more than six months shall include a copy of the order of disbarment or suspension, and any related decision; an affidavit in the form in Appendix C to these Rules; and proof that the respondent has, no more than one year prior to the date the application is filed, successfully completed the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination described in section 520.9 of this Title. After the application has been filed, the Court may deny the application with leave to renew upon the submission of proof that the respondent has successfully completed the New York State Bar Examination described in section 520.8 of this Title, or a specified requirement of continuing legal education, or both. A respondent who has been suspended for a period of six months or less shall not be required to submit proof that the respondent has successfully completed the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination, unless otherwise directed by the Court.
(c) Time of application
(1) A respondent disbarred by order of the Court for misconduct may apply for reinstatement to practice after the expiration of seven years from the entry of the order of disbarment.
(2) A suspended respondent may apply for reinstatement after the expiration of the period of suspension or as otherwise directed by the Court.
(d) Respondents suspended for a fixed term of six months or less. A respondent who has been suspended for six months or less pursuant to disciplinary proceedings may file an application for reinstatement with the Court no more than thirty days prior to the expiration of the term of suspension, in the form prescribed at Appendix D to these Rules, together with proof of service of a copy of same upon the appropriate Committee and the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection. Within twenty days of the date on which the application was served upon the Committee and Lawyers’ Fund, or within such longer time as the Court may allow, the Committee and Lawyers’ Fund may file a response thereto. After the Committee and Lawyers’ Fund have had an opportunity to be heard, the Court may issue an order reinstating the respondent upon a showing, by clear and convincing evidence, that the respondent has otherwise satisfied the requirements of section 1240.16 (a) of these Rules.
(e) The Court may establish an alternative expedited procedure for reinstatement of attorneys suspended for violation of the registration requirements set forth in Judiciary Law § 468-a.
§ 1240.17 Reinstatement of Incapacitated Attorneys
(a) Time of application. A respondent suspended on incapacity grounds pursuant to section 1240.14 of these Rules may apply for reinstatement at such time as the respondent is no longer incapacitated from practicing law.
(b) Necessary papers. Papers on an application for reinstatement following suspension on incapacity grounds shall include a copy of the order of suspension, and any related decision; proof, in evidentiary form, of a declaration of competency or of the respondent's capacity to practice law; a completed affidavit in a form approved by the Court; a copy of a letter to The Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection notifying the Fund that the application has been filed; and such other proofs as the Court may require. A copy of the complete application shall be served upon the Committee.
(c) Such application shall be granted by the Court upon showing by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent's disability or incapacity has been removed and the respondent is fit to resume the practice of law. Upon such application, the Court may take or direct such action as it deems necessary or proper for a determination as to whether the respondent's disability or incapacity has been removed, including a direction of an examination of the respondent by such qualified experts as the Court shall designate. In its discretion, the Court may direct that the expense of such an examination shall be paid by the respondent. In a proceeding under this section, the burden of proof shall rest with the suspended respondent.
(d) Where a respondent has been suspended by an order in accordance with the provisions of section 1240.14 of these Rules and thereafter, in proceedings duly taken, the respondent has been judicially declared to be competent, the Court may dispense with further evidence that the respondent’s disability or incapacity has been removed and may direct the respondent’s reinstatement upon such terms as are deemed proper and advisable.
(e) Waiver of Doctor-Patient Privilege Upon Application for Reinstatement. The filing of an application for reinstatement by a respondent suspended for incapacity shall be deemed to constitute a waiver of any doctor-patient privilege existing between the respondent and any psychiatrist, psychologist, physician, hospital or facility who or which has examined or treated the respondent during the period of disability. The respondent shall be required to disclose the name of every psychiatrist, psychologist, physician, hospital or facility by whom or at which the respondent has been examined or treated since the respondent’s suspension, and the respondent shall furnish to the Court written consent to each to divulge such information and records as may be requested by court-appointed experts or by the Clerk of the Court.
§ 1240.18 Confidentiality
(a) All disciplinary investigations and proceedings shall be kept confidential by Court personnel, Committee members, staff, and their agents.
(b) All papers, records and documents upon any complaint, inquiry, investigation or proceeding relating to the conduct or discipline of any respondent under these Rules are sealed and deemed private and confidential pursuant to Judiciary Law § 90(10). This provision is not intended to proscribe the free interchange of information among the Committees.
(c) All proceedings before a Committee or the Court shall be closed to the public absent a written order of the Court opening the proceedings in whole or in part.
(d) Application to Unseal Confidential Records or for Access to Closed Proceedings. Unless provided for elsewhere in these Rules, an application pursuant to Judiciary Law § 90(10) to unseal confidential documents or records, or for access to proceedings that are closed under these Rules, shall be made to the Court and served upon such other persons or entities as the Presiding Justice may direct, if any, and shall specify:
(1) the nature and scope of the inquiry or investigation for which disclosure is sought;
(2) the papers, records or documents sought to be disclosed, or the proceedings that are sought to be opened; and
(3) other methods, if any, of obtaining the information sought, and the reasons such methods are unavailable or impractical.
(e) Upon written request of a representative of The Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection (“Fund”) certifying that a person or persons has filed a claim or claims seeking reimbursement from the Fund for the wrongful taking of money or property by any respondent who has been disciplined by the Court, the Committee is authorized to disclose to the Fund such information as it may have on file relating thereto.
§ 1240.19 Medical and Psychological Evidence
Whenever a respondent intends to offer evidence of a medical or psychological condition in mitigation of allegations or charges, he or she shall give written notice to the Committee of the intention to do so no later than 20 days before the scheduled date of any appearance, argument, examination, proceeding, or hearing during which the respondent intends to offer such evidence to the Court, referee, Committee, subcommittee thereof, or counsel to a Committee. Said notice shall be accompanied by (a) the name, business address, and curriculum vitae of any health care professional whom the respondent proposes to call as a witness, or whose written report the respondent intends to submit; and (b) a duly executed and acknowledged written authorization permitting the Committee to obtain and make copies of the records of any such health care professional regarding the respondent’s medical or psychological condition at issue.
§ 1240.20 Abatement; Effect of Pending Civil or Criminal Matters; Restitution
(a) Any person’s refusal to participate in the investigation of a complaint or related proceeding shall not require abatement, deferral or termination of such investigation or proceeding.
(b) The acquittal of a respondent on criminal charges, or a verdict, judgment, settlement or compromise in a civil litigation involving material allegations substantially similar to those at issue in the disciplinary matter, shall not require termination of a disciplinary investigation.
(c) The restitution of funds that were converted or misapplied by a person covered by these Rules shall not bar the commencement or continuation of a disciplinary investigation or proceeding.
§ 1240.21 Appointment of Attorney to Protect Interests of Clients or Attorney
(a) When an attorney is suspended, disbarred or incapacitated from practicing law pursuant to these Rules, or when the Court determines that an attorney is otherwise unable to protect the interests of his or her clients and has thereby placed clients’ interests at substantial risk, the Court may enter an order, upon such notice as it shall direct, appointing one or more attorneys to take possession of the attorney’s files, examine the files, advise the clients to secure another attorney or take any other action necessary to protect the clients' interests. An application for such an order shall be by motion, with notice to the Committee, and shall include an affidavit setting forth the relationship, if any, as between the moving party, the attorney to be appointed and the suspended, disbarred or incapacitated attorney.
(b) Compensation. The Court may determine and award compensation and costs to an attorney appointed pursuant to this rule, and may direct that compensation of the appointee and any other expenses be paid by the attorney whose conduct or inaction gave rise to those expenses.
(c) Confidentiality. An attorney appointed pursuant to this rule shall not disclose any information contained in any client files without the client’s consent, except as is necessary to carry out the order appointing the attorney or to protect the client’s interests.
§ 1240.22 Resignation for Non-Disciplinary Reasons; Reinstatement
(a) Resignation of attorney for non-disciplinary reasons.
(1) An attorney may apply to the Court for permission to resign from the bar for non-disciplinary reasons by submitting an affidavit in the form in Appendix E to these Rules. A copy of the application shall be served upon the Committee and the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection, and such other persons as the Court may direct.
(2) When the Court determines that an attorney is eligible to resign for non-disciplinary reasons, it shall enter an order removing the attorney’s name from the roll of attorneys and stating the non-disciplinary nature of the resignation.
(b) Reinstatement. An attorney who has resigned from the bar for non-disciplinary reasons may apply for reinstatement by filing with the Court an affidavit in the form in Appendix F to these Rules. The Court may grant the application and restore the attorney’s name to the roll of attorneys; or deny the application with leave to renew upon proof that the applicant has successfully completed the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination described in section 520.9 of this Title, or the New York State Bar Examination described in section 520.8 of this Title; or take such other action as it deems appropriate.
§ 1240.23 Volunteers/Indemnification
Members of the Committee, as well as referees, bar mediators, bar grievance committee members when assisting the Court of the Committee, and pro bono special counsel acting pursuant to duties or assignments under these Rules, are volunteers and are expressly authorized to participate in a State-sponsored volunteer program, pursuant to Public Officers Law § 17(1).
§ 1240.24 Costs and Disbursements
The necessary costs and disbursements of an agency, committee or appointed attorney in conducting a proceeding under this Part shall be paid in accordance with Judiciary Law § 90(6).
See Appendix in the back of this issue for the remainder of the text — Appendices A-F.
