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Matter of Hammack

Citation: 2022 NY Slip Op 06216Docket: PM-180-22

Court: Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York; November 3, 2022; New York; State Appellate Court

Original Court Document: View Document

Narrative Opinion Summary

Scott Michael Hammack, an attorney admitted to practice in New York since 2004, sought to resign from the New York bar for nondisciplinary reasons. The Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department (AGC) did not oppose his application. Following the review of Hammack's affidavit and correspondence from the AGC, the Appellate Division, Third Department, concluded that he was eligible for resignation. The court granted Hammack's application and accepted his resignation, striking his name from the roll of attorneys in New York effective immediately. Additionally, the court ordered Hammack to cease all legal practice in New York, prohibiting him from appearing as an attorney in any capacity, providing legal opinions or advice, or presenting himself as an attorney in the state. Hammack must also surrender any Attorney Secure Pass to the Office of Court Administration within 30 days.

Legal Issues Addressed

Approval of Attorney Resignation by Court

Application: The Appellate Division, Third Department, reviewed the attorney's affidavit and the AGC's correspondence before concluding that the resignation was permissible.

Reasoning: Following the review of Hammack's affidavit and correspondence from the AGC, the Appellate Division, Third Department, concluded that he was eligible for resignation.

Prohibition on Legal Practice Post-Resignation

Application: The court ordered the attorney to cease all legal activities in New York following his resignation.

Reasoning: Additionally, the court ordered Hammack to cease all legal practice in New York, prohibiting him from appearing as an attorney in any capacity, providing legal opinions or advice, or presenting himself as an attorney in the state.

Requirement to Surrender Attorney Credentials

Application: Upon resignation from the bar, the attorney must surrender any official legal credentials, such as the Attorney Secure Pass, within a specified period.

Reasoning: Hammack must also surrender any Attorney Secure Pass to the Office of Court Administration within 30 days.

Voluntary Resignation from the Bar for Nondisciplinary Reasons

Application: The court accepted the resignation of an attorney from the New York bar who sought to resign for reasons unrelated to disciplinary issues.

Reasoning: Scott Michael Hammack, an attorney admitted to practice in New York since 2004, sought to resign from the New York bar for nondisciplinary reasons.