On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Judicial Department suspended attorney Matthew Charles McMurdo from practicing law for one year, retroactive to September 20, 2024. The suspension stems from professional misconduct related to his practice involving federal Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) matters.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Matthew Charles McMurdo,” with case number 2025-04732.
McMurdo, who was admitted to the New York bar on April 12, 1999, faced allegations of unethical practices brought forth by the Attorney Grievance Committee (AGC) on July 20, 2025. The charges arose from his prior suspension by the SEC for one year, following findings that he violated specific rules of the New York Rules of Professional Conduct. These rules include 1.1, 1.3(a), and 8.4(h).
The court’s decision was based on a joint motion by the parties involved, seeking disciplinary action by consent under the Rules for Attorney Disciplinary Matters. McMurdo conditionally admitted that his actions violated the aforementioned rules. The SEC’s initial suspension was a result of a consent order after McMurdo issued Rule 144 opinion letters on behalf of clients between July 18, 2016, and September 8, 2021, without conducting adequate investigations. These letters contained materially false and misleading statements, including misidentification of the preparer of financial statements and assurances about clients not being under investigation.
In mitigation, the court noted that McMurdo has taken responsibility for his conduct, is remorseful, and has not practiced law since his SEC suspension began on September 20, 2024. The court also acknowledged that McMurdo is well-regarded in his community.
The court ordered that during his suspension, McMurdo must comply with rules governing the conduct of suspended attorneys and refrain from practicing law in any capacity. He is also barred from appearing as an attorney before any court or public authority and from providing legal advice.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
