On Thursday, August 31, 2023, the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Third Judicial Department, decided a significant attorney disciplinary case concerning attorney Albert Michael Braccini. The court sustained charges of professional misconduct against Braccini and ordered his disbarment.

The case is entitled “Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department v. Albert Michael Braccini,” with case no. PM-197-23.

This decision came as a response to weighty allegations of professional misconduct against Braccini, which included the alarming neglect of a client’s critical matrimonial matter, ultimately leading to its dismissal. Braccini further faced accusations of presenting a fabricated divorce judgment bearing a forged judicial signature.

The Memorandum and Order states:

“It was further alleged that, in May 2012, the respondent directed the client to appear at his office, where the client was presented with an envelope containing a judgment of divorce. The client later learned that the judgment was fraudulent and included the forged signature of a Supreme Court Justice who had not been assigned to the matter.”

The Court’s ruling followed rigorous deliberations, taking into account Braccini’s extensive legal career and prior disciplinary infractions. The judgment meticulously delineated multiple violations of both the Rules of Professional Conduct and the Rules of the Appellate Division. The presiding judges underscored the gravity of Braccini’s misconduct, asserting, that his conduct significantly undermined his standing as an attorney and constituted a severe breach of professional ethics.

Given the severity of the charges, the court decreed immediate disbarment as the fitting course of action. This meant Braccini’s name was expunged from the roster of attorneys and counselors-at-law in the State of New York. Moreover, he was explicitly barred from engaging in any form of legal practice and prohibited from representing himself as an attorney in any capacity.

The Disposition states:

“ORDERED that respondent is disbarred and his name is stricken from the roll of attorneys and counselors-at-law of the State of New York, effective immediately.”

According to avvo.com, Mr. Braccini practiced in Albany, New York prior to his disbarment. He acquired his law license in New York in 1993.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.