Opinion
Motion No. 2024-01539 Case No. 2024-02088
07-02-2024
In the Matter of Chris C. Olewuenyi (admitted as Chris Chukolems Olewuenyi), a disbarred attorney: Attorney Grievance Committee for the First Judicial Department, Respondent, Chris C. Olewuenyi (OCA Atty. Reg. No. 2995769), Petitioner.
Unpublished Opinion
MOTION DECISION
Present - Hon. David Friedman, Barbara R. Kapnick Ellen Gesmer Lizbeth González Tanya R. Kennedy, Justice Presiding, Justices.
An order of this Court, having been entered on March 24, 2016 (M-5886) 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 September 27, 1999), effective nunc pro tunc to May 18, 2015, And petitioner, pro se, having moved this Court on April 29, 2024, for an order pursuant to Judiciary Law § 90 and 22 NYCRR 1240.16, reinstating him as an attorney and counselor-at-law in the State of New York, And the Attorney Grievance Committee for the First Judicial Department, by Jorge Dopico, its Chief Attorney (Eric Sun, of counsel), having submitted an affirmation in opposition, dated April 9, 2024 requesting that this Court, if it deems it appropriate, refer the matter for an evidentiary hearing during which petitioner should be required to prove by clear and convincing evidence that he meets the standards for reinstatement set out in 22 NYCRR 1240.16(a), And The Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection having submitted a response letter dated March 28, 2024, stating that it does not object to petitioner's 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 the motion of petitioner, Chris C. Olewuenyi, admitted as Chris Chukolems Olewuenyi, to be reinstated as an attorney and counselor-at-law in the State of New York is granted to the extent of referring the matter to Mark J. Fitzmaurice, Esq., 15 Chester Avenue, White Plains, NY 10601, (914) 437-9057, mfitzwalsh@optonline.net, as Referee to top 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, at 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 of entry hereof and issue a report and recommendation to this Court.