On Thursday, July 24, 2025, the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Appellate Division, Third Judicial Department granted the Attorney Grievance Committee’s motion to strike the name of Matthew Joseph O’Donnell from the roll of attorneys. The disbarment, effective nunc pro tunc to October 25, 2021, follows O’Donnell’s guilty plea in New Jersey to charges related to tampering with public records, which is classified as a felony.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Matthew Joseph O’Donnell,” with case number PM-158-25.
O’Donnell was implicated in a corruption scheme that led to his conviction. In October 2021, he pleaded guilty to third-degree tampering with public records, a charge stemming from his involvement in unlawful activities. Subsequently, the Supreme Court of New Jersey indefinitely suspended his law practice pending the outcome of an ethics proceeding related to his plea.
The Attorney Grievance Committee (AGC) for the Third Judicial Department filed a motion seeking O’Donnell’s disbarment, arguing that his conviction constituted felonious conduct warranting automatic disbarment under New York Judiciary Law. O’Donnell consented to the AGC’s motion, acknowledging the implications of his conviction.
Judiciary Law § 90 defines a felony as any criminal offense that meets specific criteria, including those classified as felonies in other jurisdictions. The court noted that while New Jersey’s third-degree crime of tampering is not categorized as a traditional felony or misdemeanor, it carries penalties that align with New York’s classification of felonies. The court referenced previous rulings indicating that foreign felony convictions that are “essentially similar” to New York felonies can result in automatic disbarment.
The court highlighted that O’Donnell’s actions were comparable to the New York felony of tampering with public records in the first degree, further justifying the disbarment decision. This case follows a similar ruling involving O’Donnell’s law partner, reinforcing the court’s position on maintaining ethical standards within the legal profession.
As part of the ruling, O’Donnell is required to cease practicing law in any capacity within New York State, including acting as an agent, employee, or advisor. He is also prohibited from presenting himself as an attorney before any judicial or administrative body.
Additionally, O’Donnell must comply with the provisions regulating disbarred attorneys, which includes submitting an affidavit of compliance as mandated by the Rules for Attorney Disciplinary Matters.
According to Avvo, Mr. O’Donnell acquired his law license in New York in 1996.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
