We are currently handing a no-fault EUO matter in my office in which it came to our attention that the representing counsel shows as being "delinquent" on the New York State Unified Court System's Attorney Search website. Not wanting to promote or faciliate the unlicensed practice of any profession, much less our own, we contacted the local Grievance Committee and were informed that a lawyer delinquent in his or her registration requirements or fees is still technically admitted and may practice law. That is, of course, until he or she is formally suspended for such delinquency.
Last Friday the Fourth Department took action on attorney registration delinquencies and formally suspended 138 lawyers registered or previously registered within that department, publishing their names in Matter of Attorneys In Violation of Judiciary Law § 468-a (4th Dept., decided 7/11/2008). The First Department had taken similar action late last year against 732 lawyers.
Representing counsel in our EUO matter is not on the list. Must have responded to one of the "numerous written notices" or order to show cause mentioned in the Fourth Department's decision.
Idea for next month's poll: Are "delinquent attorney" and "criminal attorney" really oxymorons?
3 comments:
And if an attorney is delinquent in paying his $350 biannually, should he/she really be driving? We need to clear the roads for all the illegal aliens to whom former Governor "Client 9" Spitzer wanted to grant licenses.
The website is often way behind in keeping track of who is registered and who is delinquent.
That could be in some cases, but Bonna Lynn Horovitz, reinstated last Wednesday by the 3rd Department, is already listed as being "currently registered" on OCA's Attorney Search site.
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