Opinion
Case No. 2014-00245 Motion 2021-03100
01-11-2022
In the Matter of Olukayode L. Babalola, (admitted as Olukayode Lawrence Babalola), (OCA Atty. Reg. No. 2643609), a disbarred attorney: Petitioner, For Reinstatement to the Bar of the State of New York, Attorney Grievance Committee for the First Judicial Department, Respondent, Case No. 2014-00245
Unpublished Opinion
MOTION DECISION
Present - Hon. Dianne T. Renwick, Justice Presiding, Judith J. Gische David Friedman Ellen Gesmer John R. Higgitt, Justices.
An order of this Court, having been entered March 24, 2016 (M-5132/5819), disbarring petitioner, (who was admitted to practice as an attorney and counselor-at-law in the State of New York at a Term of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court for the First Judicial Department on January 10, 1995), effective nunc pro tunc to July 31, 2014, for misappropriating and converting client funds, And, petitioner, pro se, having moved this Court, on December 13, 2021, for an order reinstating him as an attorney and counselor-at-law in the State of New York, And the Attorney Grievance Committee, by Jorge Dopico, its Chief Attorney (Kevin P Culley, Esq., of counsel), having submitted an affirmation in opposition stating, inter alia, that it opposes petitioner's reinstatement based on his papers alone, but does not oppose referral of his application to a referee for a hearing and a report concerning whether petitioner satisfies the standards for reinstatement, Now, upon reading and filing the papers with respect to the motion, and due deliberation having been had thereon, it is unanimously, Ordered that petitioner's motion is granted to the extent of referring this matter to Referee Bruce Lederman, 747 Third Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10017 - 23rd Floor, Telephone Number 212-204-6018, Lederman.bruce@gmail.com, to conduct a hearing where petitioner will have the burden of establishing by clear and convincing evidence that he has fully complied with the order of disbarment and the Rules of this Court, that he possesses the requisite character and general fitness to resume the practice of law, and that he otherwise meets the standards for reinstatement set out in 22 NYCRR 1240.16. The Referee shall hold and complete the hearing within 60 days from the date of entry hereof and issue a report and recommendation to this Court.