Opinion
Motion No. 2022-01382 Case No. 2012-00156
02-21-2023
In the Matter of Ismael Gonzalez, (OCA Atty. Reg. No. 2340404), a suspended attorney: Petitioner, For Reinstatement to the Bar of the State of New York, Attorney Grievance Committee for the First Judicial Department, Respondent.
Unpublished opinion
MOTION DECISION
Present - Hon. Dianne T. Renwick,Justice Presiding, David Friedman Julio Rodriguez III Bahaati E. Pitt-Burke John R. Higgitt, Justices.
A per curiam opinion and order of this Court having been entered on August 11, 2015 (M-5798/6129), confirming the findings of fact and conclusions of law of a referee and hearing panel and disaffirming the recommendation of a sixth month suspension, and suspending petitioner from the practice of law for a period of one year, effective September 10, 2015, and until further order of this Court, And petitioner, pro se, having moved this COURT on January 3, 2023, for an order pursuant to 22 NYCRR 1240.16 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 (Peter M. Hertzog, of counsel), having submitted an affirmation, dated December 28, 2022, stating, inter alia, that it does not oppose petitioner's reinstatement, And the Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection having submitted a letter, dated April 5, 2022, stating that it has no objection to the relief sought, Now, upon reading and filing the papers with respect to the motion, and due deliberation having been had thereon, it is unanimously, Ordered that the motion is granted to the extent of referring this matter to Martin R. Gold, 1221 Avenue of the Americas, 25th Floor, New York, NY 10020, (212) 398-8701, martin.gold@dentons.com, as Referee, to conduct a hearing where petitioner will have the burden of establishing by clear and convincing evidence 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(a). 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.