You are viewing a free summary from Descrybe.ai. For citation checking, legal issue analysis, and other advanced tools, explore our Legal Research Toolkit — not free, but close.

Matter of Goodman

Citation: 2020 NY Slip Op 212Docket: PM-14-20

Court: Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York; January 8, 2020; New York; State Appellate Court

Original Court Document: View Document

Narrative Opinion Summary

Jonathan Ross Goodman, an attorney admitted to practice in New York in 1997, sought to resign from the New York bar for nondisciplinary reasons. His resignation application was opposed by the Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department (AGC), citing his delinquency in complying with registration requirements for two consecutive biennial periods since 2017. Due to this failure, Goodman was subject to potential disciplinary action, making him ineligible for a nondisciplinary resignation. The court referenced Judiciary Law and pertinent rules of professional conduct, concluding that his application must be denied. Any future applications for resignation would require evidence of compliance with the registration requirements. The decision was rendered by the Appellate Division, Third Department, with all judges concurring.

Legal Issues Addressed

Compliance with Registration Requirements

Application: The court emphasized that compliance with registration requirements is necessary for an attorney seeking nondisciplinary resignation, highlighting Goodman's delinquency as a barrier.

Reasoning: His resignation application was opposed by the Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department (AGC), citing his delinquency in complying with registration requirements for two consecutive biennial periods since 2017.

Eligibility for Nondisciplinary Resignation

Application: The court ruled that an attorney delinquent in registration requirements is not eligible for nondisciplinary resignation and may face disciplinary action.

Reasoning: Due to this failure, Goodman was subject to potential disciplinary action, making him ineligible for a nondisciplinary resignation.

Future Applications for Resignation

Application: The court outlined that any future resignation applications must include evidence of compliance with registration requirements.

Reasoning: Any future applications for resignation would require evidence of compliance with the registration requirements.

Resignation from Bar for Nondisciplinary Reasons

Application: An attorney's request to resign from the New York bar for nondisciplinary reasons was denied due to noncompliance with registration requirements.

Reasoning: Jonathan Ross Goodman, an attorney admitted to practice in New York in 1997, sought to resign from the New York bar for nondisciplinary reasons.