Opinion
No. 2006-05375.
February 13, 2007.
RESIGNATION tendered pursuant to 22 NYCRR 691.9 by Stuart H. Finkelstein. Resignor was admitted to the bar on December 13, 1989 at a term of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court in the Second Judicial Department.
Flamhaft Levy Kamins Hirsch Rendeiro, LLP, New York City ( Barry Kamins of counsel), for resignor.
Diana Maxfield Kearse, Brooklyn ( Diana J. Szochet of counsel), for Grievance Committee for the Second and Eleventh Judicial Districts.
Before: PRUDENTI, P.J., MILLER, SCHMIDT, FLORIO and SKELOS, JJ., concur.
OPINION OF THE COURT
Stuart H. Finkelstein has submitted an affidavit dated May 18, 2006, wherein he tenders his resignation as an attorney and counselor-at-law ( see 22 NYCRR 691.9). Mr. Finkelstein was admitted to the bar at a term of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court in the Second Judicial Department on December 13, 1989.
Mr. Finkelstein avers that his resignation is freely and voluntarily rendered, that he is not being subjected to coercion or duress, and that he is fully aware of the implications of its submission, including being barred from seeking reinstatement for at least seven years. Mr. Finkelstein is aware that he is the subject of an investigation by the Grievance Committee for the Second and Eleventh Judicial Districts into allegations that he, inter alia, submitted false and misleading answers and documents to the Grievance Committee that were altered in connection with two pending complaints of professional misconduct.
Mr. Finkelstein's resignation is submitted subject to any application which could be made by the Grievance Committee for the Second and Eleventh Judicial Districts to direct that he make restitution and reimburse the New York Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection, pursuant to Judiciary Law § 90 (6-a). He acknowledges the continuing jurisdiction of the Court to make such an order and is aware that any order issued pursuant to that section could be entered as a civil judgment against him. Mr. Finkelstein specifically waives the opportunity afforded him by Judiciary Law § 90 (6-a) (f) to be heard in opposition thereto.
The Grievance Committee urges acceptance of the proffered resignation.
Inasmuch as Mr. Finkelstein's resignation conforms with the requirements of 22 NYCRR 691.9, it is accepted, and effective immediately, Mr. Finkelstein is disbarred and his name is stricken from the roll of attorneys and counselors-at-law.
Ordered that pursuant to Judiciary Law § 90, effective immediately, Stuart H. Finkelstein is disbarred, and his name is stricken from the roll of attorneys and counselors-at-law; and it is further,
Ordered that Stuart H. Finkelstein shall promptly comply with this Court's rules governing the conduct of disbarred, suspended, and resigned attorneys ( see 22 NYCRR 691.10); and it is further,
Ordered that pursuant to Judiciary Law § 90, effective immediately, Stuart H. Finkelstein is commanded to desist and refrain from (1) practicing law in any form, either as principal, agent, clerk, or employee of another, (2) appearing as an attorney or counselor-at-law before any court, judge, justice, board, commission or other public authority, (3) giving to another an opinion as to the law or its application or any advice in relation thereto, and (4) holding himself out in any way as an attorney and counselor-at-law; and it is further,
Ordered that if the resignor, Stuart H. Finkelstein, has been issued a secure pass by the Office of Court Administration, it shall be returned forthwith to the issuing agency and the resignor shall certify to the same in his affidavit of compliance pursuant to 22 NYCRR 691.10 (f).