Matter of Rajan

Summary

The Appellate Division, First Department granted the Attorney Grievance Committee’s motion for reciprocal discipline against Paul R. Rajan based on his public censure in New Jersey for negligent misappropriation of client funds and record-keeping violations. The court publicly censured Rajan in New York, finding no applicable defense to reciprocal discipline and concluding that the sanction was commensurate with the New Jersey discipline.

Holdings

1. Reciprocal discipline is appropriate because respondent was disciplined in New Jersey for misconduct that also constitutes professional misconduct in New York.
2. A public censure is the appropriate reciprocal discipline.

Questions Presented

1. Whether reciprocal discipline should be imposed in New York based on respondent's New Jersey public censure.
2. Whether respondent established any defense to reciprocal discipline under 22 NYCRR 1240.13.
3. What sanction should be imposed in New York for the misconduct underlying the New Jersey discipline.

Disposition

other