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Matter of Parise

Citation: 2021 NY Slip Op 05065Docket: Motion No. 2021-02609 Case No. 2021-01756

Court: Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York; September 23, 2021; New York; State Appellate Court

Original Court Document: View Document

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Laurie Parise, an attorney admitted to the New York Bar in 2007, is subject to disciplinary proceedings initiated by the Attorney Grievance Committee for the First Judicial Department due to allegations of misappropriating funds from a not-for-profit organization she led as executive director between 2016 and 2018. The Committee filed a Petition of Charges indicating that Parise increased her compensation without board approval by improperly distributing funds to herself. Following a review of the organization's finances in 2018, she admitted to these unauthorized distributions and agreed to repay a total of $51,984. Parise stepped down from her position on March 1, 2019, and her actions did not adversely affect the organization's programming. The Committee and Parise jointly requested a nine-month suspension from the practice of law, which includes a stipulation of facts, her conditional admission of misconduct, and an affidavit confirming her understanding of the consequences of this agreement. Parise has partially repaid the organization, with insurance covering the remaining balance.

Respondent Laurie Parise has entered into a repayment agreement with her insurer and admits to violating New York's Rules of Professional Conduct by misappropriating funds from her organization, breaching rules 8.4(c) (dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation) and 8.4(h) (conduct adversely reflecting on an attorney's fitness). Aggravating factors include her repeated misuse of her fiduciary position over three years. Mitigating factors highlight her long-standing commitment to public service, including founding a youth program and working with vulnerable populations. Respondent faced severe financial distress between 2016 and 2018 due to her husband's disability and has expressed remorse while cooperating with the investigation. She voluntarily ceased practicing law in February 2021 and has not engaged in private practice. The parties jointly request a nine-month suspension, which is deemed appropriate given both the misconduct and mitigating circumstances. The court grants the motion, suspending Parise from practicing law for nine months starting October 26, 2021, and prohibits her from practicing law or holding herself out as an attorney during this period. The Attorney Grievance Committee's petition for charges is denied as moot. Additionally, if Parise has a secure pass issued by the Office of Court Administration, it must be returned. Compliance with the rules governing suspended attorneys is required.