Opinion
PM–142–23
07-13-2023
In the MATTER OF ATTORNEYS IN VIOLATION OF JUDICIARY LAW § 468-A. Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department, Petitioner; v. Justin Charles Russell, Respondent. (Attorney Registration No. 4917746)
Monica A. Duffy, Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department, Albany, for Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department. Justin Charles Russell, Sarasota, Florida, respondent pro se.
Monica A. Duffy, Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department, Albany, for Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department.
Justin Charles Russell, Sarasota, Florida, respondent pro se.
DECISION AND ORDER ON MOTION
Motion by respondent for an order reinstating him to the practice of law following his suspension by May 2019 order of this Court (see Matter of Attorneys in Violation of Judiciary Law § 468-a , 172 A.D.3d 1706, 1750, 104 N.Y.S.3d 211 [3d Dept. 2019] ; Rules for Atty 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 February 23, 2023, supplemental filing on June 7, 2023 and the April 6, 2023 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 Rules for Atty Disciplinary Matters [ 22 NYCRR] § 1240.16 [a]), it is
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.
Lynch, J.P., Pritzker, Reynolds Fitzgerald, Fisher and McShan, JJ., concur.