Opinion
2014-01-16
In the Matter of James B. CRANE II, an Attorney. Committee on Professional Standards, Petitioner; James B. Crane II, Respondent.
Monica A. Duffy, Committee on Professional Standards, Albany (Michael G. Gaynor of counsel), for petitioner. Dreyer Boyajian LLP, Albany (William J. Dreyer of counsel), for respondent.
Monica A. Duffy, Committee on Professional Standards, Albany (Michael G. Gaynor of counsel), for petitioner. Dreyer Boyajian LLP, Albany (William J. Dreyer of counsel), for respondent.
Before: LAHTINEN, J.P., STEIN, GARRY and EGAN JR., JJ.
PER CURIAM.
Respondent was admitted to practice by this Court in 1984. He maintained an office for the practice of law in the City of Albany.
Respondent is the subject of an investigation by petitioner and has tendered his resignation from the bar by affidavit sworn to on December 4, 2013, in substantial compliance with the rules of this Court ( see22 NYCRR 806.8). We accept respondent's disciplinary resignation, which petitioner advises that it does not oppose, and, in accordance with our rules, order his disbarment from the practice of law ( see22 NYCRR 806.8[b] ). In his affidavit, respondent admits removing and then replacing client escrow monies relating to a real estate transaction that was being handled by another attorney, without that knowledge of that attorney or the client.
ORDERED that respondent's resignation application is accepted; and it is further
ORDERED that respondent is disbarred and his name is stricken from the roll of attorneys and counselors-at-law of the State of New York, effective immediately; and it is further
ORDERED that 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 this Court's rules regulating the conduct of disbarred attorneys ( see22 NYCRR 806.9). LAHTINEN, J.P., STEIN, GARRY and EGAN JR., JJ., concur.