Matter of Bailey

Dec 1, 2016
Versions:

In the Matter of Eric B. Bailey, an Attorney.

Monica A. Duffy, Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department, Albany (Alison M. Coan of counsel), for Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department.

Per Curiam. Respondent was admitted to practice by this Court in 2006. He was also admitted in New Jersey that same year, where he maintains an office for the practice of law.*

By order entered January 27, 2016, respondent was reprimanded by the Supreme Court of New Jersey based upon findings that he failed to diligently represent a client, failed to properly communicate with a client and failed to cooperate with disciplinary authorities, all in violation of three rules of New Jersey‘s Rules of Professional Conduct (Matter of Bailey, 224 NJ 100, 128 A3d 1114 [2016]). Respondent failed to file a copy of the order of the Supreme Court of New Jersey with this Court within 30 days as required by Rules of the Appellate Division, Third Department (22 NYCRR) former § 806.19 (b) (see Rules for Attorney Disciplinary Matters [22 NYCRR] § 1240.13 [d]).

Now, by reason of the discipline imposed upon respondent in New Jersey, the Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department (hereinafter AGC) moves, by order to show cause returnable October 11, 2016, to impose discipline upon respondent in this state. Respondent has not replied or otherwise responded to AGC‘s motion or raised any of the available defenses (see Rules for Attorney Disciplinary Matters [22 NYCRR] § 1240.13 [b]); therefore, we grant the motion (see Matter of Halbfish, 78 AD3d 1320, 1321 [2010]).

Turning to the issue of an appropriate disciplinary sanction, we take note of respondent‘s failure to file a copy of the New Jersey disciplinary order with this Court (see Rules for Attorney Disciplinary Matters [22 NYCRR] § 1240.13 [d]), his failure to respond to the subject motion and the findings of the Supreme Court of New Jersey regarding his failure to cooperate with disciplinary authorities in the underlying matter. Accordingly, upon consideration of all the facts and circumstances, we conclude that, under the circumstances presented and in order to protect the public, maintain the honor and integrity of the profession and deter others from committing similar misconduct, respondent should be suspended from the practice of law for a period of 30 days in this state (see Matter of Cooper, 124 AD3d 1203, 1204 [2015]; Matter of Kain, 64 AD3d 992, 992-993 [2009]; see generally Rules for Attorney Disciplinary Matters [22 NYCRR] § 1240.8 [b] [2]). Finally, we hold that any future application for reinstatement by respondent must include proof that he has been restored to active status to practice law in New Jersey (see New Jersey Court Rules rule 1:20-12).

McCarthy, J.P., Lynch, Devine, Clark and Aarons, JJ., concur. Ordered that the motion of the Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department is granted; and it is further ordered that respondent is suspended from the practice of law for a period of 30 days, effective immediately, and until further order of this Court (see generally Rules for Attorney Disciplinary Matters [22 NYCRR] § 1240.16); and it is further ordered that, for the period of suspension, respondent is commanded to desist and refrain from the practice of law in any form, either as principal or as agent, clerk or employee of another; and respondent is hereby forbidden to appear as an attorney or counselor-at-law before any court, judge, justice, board, commission or other public authority, or to give to another an opinion as to the law or its application, or any advice in relation thereto; and it is further ordered that respondent shall comply with the provisions of the Rules for Attorney Disciplinary Matters regulating the conduct of suspended attorneys (see Rules for Attorney Disciplinary Matters [22 NYCRR] § 1240.15).

Notes

*
Although it appears that respondent is currently listed, by consent, under “disability inactive status” in New Jersey (Matter of Bailey, 223 NJ 357, 124 A3d 694 [2015]), no further information regarding that status has been provided to this Court.