New York Appellate Court Suspends Thomas F. Liotti for Six Months Due to Inappropriate Statements

On Wednesday, March 13, 2024, Attorney Thomas F. Liotti was suspended from practicing law for six months by the Supreme Court of the State of New York Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department.

The case is entitled “In the Matter of Thomas F. Liotti,” with case no. 2021-01409.

Liotti was found to have violated rules regarding conduct before tribunals and conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice. These rules are part of the New York Rules of Professional Conduct.

The suspension stems from statements Liotti made in legal filings and briefs related to a family court case he handled in 2018. In these documents, Liotti leveled accusations of bias, incompetence, and improper collaboration against the presiding justice, the opposing counsel, and the attorney for the children. He used strong language to characterize the disqualification hearing he faced and the outcome as a “travesty,” “charade,” and “ruse.”

While Liotti admitted making the statements and acknowledged they were “strong,” he argued they were made in good faith and did not violate ethical standards. However, the Appellate Court found the statements inappropriate and sustained the charges against Liotti.

In determining the suspension as the appropriate sanction, the court took into account evidence of Liotti’s good character but also his history of prior ethical issues, including a previous censure charade and multiple admonitions related to similar conduct. Liotti will be able to apply for reinstatement after six months if he shows compliance with suspension terms.

The Appellate Court’s decision concludes the grievance matter brought by the ethics committee against Liotti for his handling of the 2018 family court case. He will be prohibited from practicing law until allowed back by the court in September 2024.

The Disposition states:

“ORDERED that the respondent, Thomas F. Liotti, admitted as Thomas Francis Robert Liotti, is suspended from the practice of law for a period of six months, commencing April 12, 2024, and continuing until further order of this Court.”

According to avvo.com, Mr. Liotti is a criminal defense attorney in Garden City, New York. He attended the Delaware Law School. He acquired his law license in New York in 1977.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.