On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department granted the resignation of attorney Jonathan K. Davis. The court’s decision effectively disbarred Davis, striking his name from the official roll of attorneys and counselors-at-law.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Jonathan K. Davis,” with case no. 2024-05926.
Davis swore an affidavit detailing his request to resign on July 9, 2024. In this affidavit, he acknowledged being under investigation by the Grievance Committee for the Tenth Judicial District due to serious allegations involving the misappropriation of client funds. The claims against him included taking advance payments of legal fees before receiving settlement funds in personal injury cases, unauthorized cash withdrawals from his escrow account, and double billing for legal fees in two separate matters.
The affidavit indicated that Davis maintained inadequate and improper records regarding fiduciary funds and transactions. However, he asserted that all clients had received full payment and that he owed no restitution to any individuals. Acknowledging the severity of the allegations, Davis conceded that he could not effectively defend himself against the claims of professional misconduct.
In his application, Davis stated that his resignation was made voluntarily and without coercion. He understood the implications of his resignation, which would lead to an official disbarment. The court’s acceptance of his resignation allows the Grievance Committee to pursue future applications for restitution or reimbursement related to the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection.
Davis also agreed not to represent new clients or accept any retainers for legal services until the court issued an order regarding his resignation. Additionally, he committed to refraining from any transactional activities in fiduciary accounts under his control, except for the distribution of funds owed to clients or other entitled parties.
The Grievance Committee supported Davis’s resignation, recommending that the court grant his application. Under the relevant regulations, the court found that Davis’s application met the necessary criteria outlined in 22 NYCRR 1240.10. Consequently, it was ordered that Davis be disbarred and removed from the roll of attorneys effective immediately.
The court further mandated that Davis comply with all rules governing the conduct of disbarred attorneys, as specified in 22 NYCRR 1240.15. He is prohibited from practicing law in any capacity, appearing as an attorney before any judicial or public authority, providing legal opinions or advice, and representing himself as an attorney in any manner.
As part of the disbarment process, if Davis holds any secure passes issued by the Office of Court Administration, he is required to return them promptly. He must also certify to the court that he has complied with these directives in his affidavit of compliance.
The Disposition states:
“ORDERED that the application of the respondent, Jonathan K. Davis, admitted as Jonathan Keith Davis, to resign as an attorney and counselor-at-law is granted, and it is further, ORDERED that pursuant to Judiciary Law 90, effective immediately, the respondent, Jonathan K. Davis, admitted as Jonathan Keith Davis, is disbarred and his name is stricken from the roll of attorneys and counselors-at-law.”
According to avvo.com, Mr. Davis was an attorney in Great Neck, New York. He acquired his law license in New York in 1995.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
