On Thursday, July 13, 2023, the State of New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division Third Judicial Department granted the motion for reinstatement of attorney Flavia Teixeira Fortes.

The case is entitled “Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department v. Flavia Teixeira Fortes” with case no. PM-149-23.

Fortes has filed a motion requesting the court to issue an order reinstating her to the practice of law after her suspension by the court’s September 2022 order. The suspension was a consequence of the case titled “Matter of Attorneys in Violation of Judiciary Law § 468-a, 208 AD3d 1421, 1429 [3d Dept 2022].” Pertinent to her request are the “Rules for Attorney Disciplinary Matters [22 NYCRR] § 1240.16” and “Rules of Appellate Division, 3rd Department [22 NYCRR] § 806.16.”

After carefully reviewing Fortes’s notice of motion and the accompanying affidavit with exhibits, all sworn to on March 28, 2023, as well as the responsive correspondence received from the Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department on May 12, 2023, the court has reached a definitive conclusion. Based on clear and convincing evidence, the court has ascertained the following crucial points:

  1. Fortes has diligently complied with the court’s suspension order and has demonstrated an unwavering adherence to all relevant rules established by the court.
  2. Fortes’s character and fitness to practice law have been convincingly demonstrated, affirming their suitability and qualifications for reinstatement.
  3. Considering the best interest of the public and in accordance with the “Rules for Attorney Disciplinary Matters [22 NYCRR] § 1240.16 [a],” the court found it appropriate to grant Fortes’s motion for reinstatement.

As a result of these findings, the court issued the following order: Fortes’s motion for reinstatement was granted, signifying that the court had approved her request to be reinstated as an attorney and counselor-at-law. This reinstatement is effective immediately, enabling the same to resume her legal practice without any delay.

The Disposition states:

“ORDERED that respondent’s motion for reinstatement is granted; and it is further ORDERED that respondent is reinstated as an attorney and counselor-at-law, effective immediately.”

Ms. Fortes is licensed in New York with license no. 5060223.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.