On Thursday, August 3, 2023, the State of New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division Third Judicial Department entered a memorandum and decision on motion granting attorney Joseph William Torre’s motion for reinstatement.

The case is entitled “Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department v. Joseph William Torre,” with case no. PM-159-23.

In 2012, Torre gained admission to the legal profession under the purview of the court. However, a suspension was imposed in May 2019 due to conduct deemed detrimental to the administration of justice. The suspension was a consequence of Torre’s failure to adhere to the attorney registration mandates outlined in Judiciary Law § 468-a, a deficiency spanning back to 2014 (as detailed in the case of ‘Matter of Attorneys in Violation of Judiciary Law § 468-a, 172 AD3d 1706, 1756 [3d Dept 2019]’).

Torre, who has since resolved the previous issue, sought reinstatement in accordance with the regulations specified in the Rules for Attorney Disciplinary Matters and Rules of Appellate Division. However, the Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department raised opposition to Torre’s motion, arguing that the continuing legal education (CLE) credits submitted by Torre did not meet the prerequisites set forth by the Court’s regulations.

Despite the previous denial of exemption, the respondent’s credits from New Jersey now align with the court’s regulations. The application, submitted on March 27, 2023, shows completion of 4.8 credit hours in Ethics, 4.4 credit hours in diversity and inclusion, and 36.7 credit hours in general courses covering topics like cybersecurity, commercial real estate, employment law, and mental health defenses. These courses meet New York’s legal practice standards, allowing for the respondent’s reinstatement. The respondent has also demonstrated compliance with the substantive test, leading to approval of the motion. As a result, Torre’s motion for reinstatement has been granted.

The order 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.”

Mr. Torre practices in Cliffside Park, New Jersey. He is licensed in New Jersey and New York with license no. 5085113.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.