September 13, 2011

Attorney discipline.

Practice point: Intentional conversion of escrow funds requires disbarment, absent extremely unusual mitigating circumstances.

Student note: The fact that the attorney intended to repay, or actually repays, converted funds does not negate a finding of venal intent.

Case: Matter of Squitieri, NY Slip Op 06418 (1st Dept. 2011).

Here is the decision.

Tomorrow’s issue: Article 78 proceedings.