Opinion
Motion No. 2020-03556
11-19-2020
In the Matter of Thomas J. Lee, (OCA Atty. Reg. No. 2540433) a disbarred attorney: Petitioner, For Reinstatement to the Bar of the State of New York, Attorney Grievance Committee for the First Judicial Department, Respondent,
Present - Hon. David Friedman, Justice Presiding, Troy K. Webber Cynthia S. Kern Anil C. Singh Lizbeth González, Justices. Case No. 2007-00256
An order of this Court having been entered on June 26, 2007 (M-2363), 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 March 1, 1993), effective nunc pro tunc to August 10, 2005, and striking his name from the roll of attorneys and counselors-at-law in the State of New York, effective the date thereof,
And petitioner, by his attorney, Richard M. Maltz, Esq., having moved this Court on January 6, 2020, for an order, pursuant to 22 NYCRR 1240.16(a), referring his request for reinstatement to a Referee for a hearing and recommendation as to whether he presently possesses the requisite character and fitness to resume the practice of law,
And an order of this Court having been entered on March 10, 2020 (M-8096), granting petitioner's motion to the extent of referring this matter to Michael C. Marcus, Esq., as Referee, 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 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(a),
And petitioner by his attorney, Richard M. Maltz, having moved this Court on November 11, 2020, for the appointment of a new referee,
And the Attorney Grievance Committee for the First Judicial Department, by Jorge Dopico, its Chief Counsel (Raymond Vallejo, of counsel), having submitted a letter dated November 5, 2020, stating that it does not oppose the appointment of a new referee,
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 relieving Referee Michael C. Marcus, Esq. and appointing, Martin R. Gold, Esq., 1221 Avenue of the Americas, 25th Floor, (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 has fully complied with the order of disbarment and 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(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. Entered: November 19, 2020
/s/
Susanna Molina Rojas
Clerk of the Court