On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department granted a joint motion for discipline by consent, suspending attorney Jimmy Miguel Santos for one year. Santos faced disciplinary action following a petition filed by the Grievance Committee for the Ninth Judicial District on May 4, 2023, alleging seven charges of professional misconduct.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Jimmy Miguel Santos,” with case number 2023-04635.
The charges stemmed from Santos’ handling of a case for client Michelle Morillo, whom he represented in a 2013 lawsuit against her former employer, Bear Gallery, Inc. Santos failed to respond to discovery demands, leading to the dismissal of the case in August 2017. He neglected to inform Morillo of the dismissal and misled her about the case’s status. Additionally, Santos did not file a motion to vacate the dismissal as promised. In a subsequent malpractice lawsuit filed by Morillo in 2018, Santos failed to appear, resulting in a $42,740.36 judgment against him, which remained unpaid until July 2023.
Santos admitted to violating multiple Rules of Professional Conduct, including neglecting a legal matter, failing to act diligently, not keeping his client informed, and engaging in conduct involving dishonesty and prejudice to justice.
The court considered his prior disciplinary history, including two admonitions, one letter of advisement, and one letter of caution, as aggravating factors. Mitigating factors included his cooperation, acknowledgment of mistakes, remorse, payment of the judgment, and participation in the New York State Bar Association’s Lawyer Assistance Program.
Santos’ suspension begins August 15, 2025, and he may apply for reinstatement after May 15, 2026, upon meeting specific conditions.
According to Avvo, Mr. Santos is a discrimination lawyer in Cornwall, NY. He acquired his law license in New York in 1996.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
