ATTORNEY MISCONDUCT

A recent consultation revealed that an attorney engaged in misconduct which resulted in damages to the client. A recent litigation revealed that an attorney did not carry malpractice insurance and as a result of poor office practices, may have damaged the client's litigation. This statement is not meant to justify misconduct but I merely point out that the recession has truly hit the legal profession and some attorneys are driven to actions that they would not normally take. Even in good economic times, drugs, alcohol, divorce, depression, etc. can lead an attorney to take actions which may or may not rise to the level of misconduct. And then, there are just attorneys who, for whatever innocent or non-innocent reason, engage in misconduct. When faced with this situation and while you are contemplating what legal steps you can take to undo the damage, consider this from the Nassau County Bar Association:

"State of New York Grievance Committee - This is the official body charged with assuring that lawyers adhere to the ethics of the profession as set forth in the Code of Professional Responsibility. The Grievance Committee receives and investigates complaints and may take formal disciplinary action.

For further information, contact:
The Grievance Committee
for the Tenth Judicial District
150 Motor Parkway, Suite 102
Hauppauge, NY 11788
(631) 231-3775

New York Lawyers' Fund For Client Protection - The New York Lawyers' Fund was created by New York State Legislation to protect legal consumers from dishonest conduct in the practice of law. If your money has been misappropriated in the practice of law, you may be eligible for reimbursement from the Lawyers' Fund.

For further information, contact:
The New York Lawyers' Fund
119 Washington Avenue Albany
New York 12210
(518) 434-1935 (800) 442fund."