On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Judicial Department disbarred attorney Vy Thuan Nguyen, striking her name from the roll of attorneys in New York, effective immediately. The decision followed a motion by the Attorney Grievance Committee (AGC) for reciprocal discipline based on Nguyen’s disbarment in Texas.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Vy Thuan Nguye,” with case no. 2025-02393.
The Texas disciplinary action stemmed from a petition filed by the Commission for Lawyer Discipline of the State Bar of Texas (CFLD) on August 31, 2023, addressing five complaints against Nguyen. Four complaints, spanning 2020 to 2022, alleged that Nguyen failed to communicate with clients who paid retainers between $1,500 and $5,000.
In a divorce case, she allegedly did not adequately explain a mediated settlement agreement. In a child custody matter, she missed deadlines and neglected the case. In an immigration case, Nguyen was paid $1,750 to secure citizenship proof for a client but failed to file documents or respond to inquiries over three years, neglecting to return client files or refund fees. The fifth complaint claimed Nguyen failed to pay $3,500 from her IOLTA account to opposing counsel in a divorce matter, violating a court order.
Additionally, Nguyen did not timely respond to three grievance notices from the Texas Bar, failing to provide legal grounds for her inaction. On May 8, 2024, an evidentiary hearing was held, where Nguyen appeared pro se. The Evidentiary Panel found her in violation of multiple Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, including neglect, failure to communicate, and non-compliance with disciplinary inquiries. Citing aggravating factors like prior reprimands, a pattern of misconduct, and lack of remorse, the panel ordered her disbarment on May 10, 2024. The Texas Board of Disciplinary Appeals upheld the decision on February 5, 2025, and Nguyen’s appeal is pending.
The New York court found no defenses applicable, noting Nguyen received due process in Texas, the evidence supported the findings, and the misconduct violated New York’s Rules of Professional Conduct. The court imposed reciprocal disbarment, aligning with Texas’s sanction and prior New York cases. Nguyen is prohibited from practicing law, appearing in court, or holding herself out as an attorney in New York until further notice.
The Disposition states:
“Wherefore, it is Ordered that the motion by the Attorney Grievance Committee for the First Judicial Department for reciprocal discipline, pursuant to Judiciary Law 90(2) and 22 NYCRR 1240.13, is granted, and respondent, Vy Ihuan Nguyen, is disbarred and her name stricken from the roll Of attorneys in the State Of New York, effective immediately, and until further order of this Court.”
According to Avvo.com, Ms. Nguyen is a family attorney in Houston, Texas. She attended the Thurgood Marshall School of Law, graduating in 2007. She acquired her law license in New York in 2024.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
