Matter of Lamon Darrell Bland

Summary

The New York Appellate Division, First Department disbarred Lamon Darrell Bland for failing to respond to or appear for further investigatory or disciplinary proceedings within six months after his immediate suspension. The court ordered that his name be stricken from the roll of attorneys and directed him to comply with the rules governing disbarred attorneys.

Holdings

1. When six months have elapsed after an immediate suspension under 22 NYCRR 1240.9(a)(1) and (3), and the respondent has neither responded to nor appeared for further investigatory or disciplinary proceedings, the respondent should be disbarred and the respondent's name stricken from the roll of attorneys.
2. A withdrawal of the complaint by the former landlord would not bind the Attorney Grievance Committee and would not eliminate Bland's obligation to cooperate or prevent disciplinary proceedings.

Questions Presented

1. Whether an attorney immediately suspended under 22 NYCRR 1240.9(a)(1) and (3) must be disbarred under 22 NYCRR 1240.9(b) when six months have elapsed without the attorney responding to or appearing for further investigatory or disciplinary proceedings.
2. Whether Bland's communications with the Attorney Grievance Committee and his former landlord's possible withdrawal of the underlying complaint prevented disbarment.

Disposition

other