On Tuesday, June 18, 2024, the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Judicial Department issued an order suspending attorney Daphna Zekaria from practicing law.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Daphna Zekari,” with case no. 2024-00376.
According to the filing, the Attorney Grievance Committee had been investigating Ms. Zekaria over issues with her escrow account. She allegedly failed to respond to multiple requests for records and information from the Committee relating to two dishonored escrow checks totaling over $57,500. Ms. Zekaria also did not comply with a subpoena to appear before the Committee with required bank records.
Separately, two legal complaints had been filed against Ms. Zekaria with the Grievance Committee, alleging she mishandled client funds held in escrow and failed to comply with a court order to release the money. Court documents state Ms. Zekaria improperly withdrew over $128,000 from her escrow account without authorization relating to one client matter. In another case, she did not comply with a court stipulation to release escrow funds to a new law firm.
Based on Ms. Zekaria’s noncompliance with the investigations, the Attorney Grievance Committee filed a motion seeking her interim suspension.
The Court ruled the evidence demonstrated Ms. Zekaria failed to cooperate with the lawful demands of the Committee and courts, warranting an interim suspension until disciplinary proceedings conclude.
The court also appointed a receiver to take control of Ms. Zekaria’s client files and advise her former clients about obtaining new legal representation.
According to avvo.com, Ms. Zekaria is a real estate attorney in Huntington, New York. She attended the Touro Law School. She acquired her law license in New York in 1997.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
