Opinion
PM-132-22
07-21-2022
In the MATTER OF ATTORNEYS IN VIOLATION OF JUDICIARY LAW § 468-A.
Monica A. Duffy, Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department, Albany, for Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department. Renee Shantel Smith, Marlton, New Jersey, respondent pro se.
Monica A. Duffy, Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department, Albany, for Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department.
Renee Shantel Smith, Marlton, New Jersey, respondent pro se.
Before: Lynch, J.P., Aarons, Pritzker, Fisher and McShan, JJ.
DECISION AND ORDER ON MOTION
Motion by respondent for an order reinstating her to the practice of law following her suspension by October 2021 order of this Court ( Matter of Attorneys in Violation of Judiciary Law §468–a, 198 A.D.3d 1068, 1085, 154 N.Y.S.3d 677 [2021] ; see Rules for Attorney Disciplinary Matters [ 22 NYCRR] § 1240.16 ; Rules of App.Div., 3d Dept [ 22 NYCRR] § 806.16 ).
Upon reading respondent's notice of motion and affidavit with exhibits sworn to on March 24, 2022, and upon reading the April 25, 2022 responsive correspondence from the Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department, and having determined, by clear and convincing evidence, that (1) respondent has complied with the order of suspension and the Rules of this Court, (2) respondent has the requisite character and fitness to practice law, and (3) it would be in the public interest to reinstate respondent to the practice of law (see Matter of Attorneys in Violation of Judiciary Law §468–a [Nenninger], 180 A.D.3d 1317, 1317–1318, 116 N.Y.S.3d 920 [2020] ), it is
Lynch, J.P., Aarons, Pritzker, Fisher and McShan, JJ., concur.
ORDERED that respondent's motion for reinstatement is granted; and it is further ORDERED that respondent is reinstated as an attorney and counselor-at-law, effective immediately.