On Thursday, November 7, 2024, the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Third Judicial Department suspended attorney Darlene Debra Brown from practicing law pending an investigation by the Attorney Grievance Committee (AGC). The court’s decision follows serious allegations of professional misconduct and a failure to respond to the AGC’s inquiries regarding a client complaint.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Darlene Debra Brown,” with case no. PM-216-24.
The AGC received a complaint in January 2024 from a client who claimed that Brown had neglected her case, resulting in an order of removal being issued against her. The complaint indicated that after the client’s previous attorney retired, she retained Brown in September 2019. Despite regular communication via text messages, Brown allegedly failed to file a notice of appearance, leading to the client’s removal in absentia.
Following the complaint, the AGC attempted to engage Brown multiple times. In March 2024, they issued a notice outlining the allegations and requested a detailed response along with supporting documentation. Brown initially requested an extension to respond due to upcoming travel. Although the AGC granted this request, she subsequently failed to provide any response or documentation, prompting the AGC to send a second notice.
The AGC’s efforts to obtain further information included a directive for Brown to appear for an examination and produce her records related to the client’s case. However, she did not comply with this request either, leading the AGC to file a motion to suspend her law practice.
The court’s ruling emphasized that a lawyer may be suspended if their actions are found to threaten the public interest. The judges noted that Brown’s persistent non-responsiveness to the AGC’s lawful demands constituted a significant concern regarding her professional conduct and jeopardized the integrity of the attorney disciplinary system.
In their decision, the court stated that Brown had received ample notice of the allegations but chose to ignore the AGC’s requests. This default in responding was cited as a clear indication of professional misconduct that warranted immediate suspension. The court also highlighted that compliance with AGC’s demands is essential for maintaining the effectiveness of attorney disciplinary proceedings.
As a result of the suspension, Brown is prohibited from practicing law in New York in any capacity. She is barred from appearing as an attorney before any legal authority or providing legal advice to others. The court has mandated that she comply with the Rules for Attorney Disciplinary Matters that govern suspended attorneys and submit an affidavit of compliance.
The Disposition states:
“ORDERED that respondent is suspended from the practice of law, effective immediately, and until further order of this Court.”
According to avvo.com, Ms. Brown is an immigration attorney in Houston, Texas. She acquired her law license in New York in 2005.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
