New York Attorney Paul Stephen Beeber Disbarred for Trust Account Violations and Lack of Cooperation

On Wednesday, August 7, 2024, the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department disbarred attorney Paul Stephen Beeber.

The case is entitled “In the Matter of Paul Stephen Beeber,” with case no. 2022-01624.

The court had reviewed disciplinary charges brought against Beeber by the Grievance Committee for the Tenth Judicial District. The charges stemmed from Beeber’s failure to properly maintain his attorney trust accounts and failure to cooperate with the Grievance Committee’s investigation into two reports of dishonored checks from the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection.

In its decision, the court summarized the six charges in the petition. These included failing to account for and maintain proper records of funds in his trust accounts, failing to cooperate with the Grievance Committee’s investigation, disbursing funds when no corresponding deposits were made, and failing to produce requested bookkeeping records related to the investigation.

Beeber had admitted to the underlying factual allegations but denied violating any ethics rules. As mitigation, he claimed poor bookkeeping practices and lack of intent to defraud or harm clients. Beeber stated that he fell victim to a fraudulent scheme that led to a loss of $100,000 from his trust account.

However, the court found Beeber’s explanations lacking. It noted the questioned transactions predated the alleged hack and Beeber had continued questionable banking activity even after discovering the fraud. Although Beeber blamed his age and lack of technology skills, the court said bank statements could have been produced without issue.

In deciding on disbarment, the court took into account Beeber’s prior disciplinary history as well as his failure to appear at his own disciplinary hearing. It rejected Beeber’s argument that the charges were merely duplicative.

The ruling ordered Beeber to comply with requirements placed on disbarred attorneys. He must also return any secure pass issued by the Office of Court Administration.

The Disposition states:

“ORDERED that the respondent, Paul Stephen Beeber, is disbarred, effective immediately, and his name is stricken from the roll of attorneys and counselors-at-law.”

According to avvo.com, Mr. Beeber was an elder law attorney in Hicksville, New York. He acquired his law license in New York in 1970. 

A copy of the original filing can be found here.