On Friday, December 20, 2024, the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Fourth Judicial Department issued an order suspending attorney William J. Lamitie for a period of two years. This decision follows Lamitie’s failure to adhere to a prior suspension order that had been enacted on November 18, 2022, due to non-compliance with attorney registration requirements.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of William J. Lamitie.”
The charges cited New York Rules of Professional Conduct 5.5(a), 8.4(c), 8.4(d) and 8.4(h).
Lamitie was previously suspended after he did not respond to a directive involving approximately 35 attorneys. This directive required them to show cause as to why they should not be suspended for not meeting registration obligations. Despite the suspension, Lamitie continued to practice law, representing clients in various matters, including Social Security disability hearings and traffic cases in town court.
In January 2024, the Grievance Committee of the Fifth Judicial District filed a petition against Lamitie. The petition included a single charge of misconduct, citing that he practiced law while suspended. Lamitie was served with this petition but failed to respond within the designated 20-day period as stipulated by court rules. Consequently, the Grievance Committee moved for an order declaring him in default and admitting the allegations due to his lack of response.
Although Lamitie did not submit any papers to contest the motion, he appeared in court on the return date and indicated that he did not dispute the allegations. During this appearance, he also provided mitigating information. The court noted that Lamitie admitted to continuing his legal practice and did not inform his clients of his suspension. However, he cooperated fully with the Grievance Committee’s investigation.
The court found Lamitie guilty of multiple violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct, including engaging in the unauthorized practice of law and conduct involving dishonesty and deceit. In determining the sanction, the court considered several mitigating factors, including Lamitie’s compliance with registration requirements since December 2023, the absence of substantial harm to clients, his cooperation with the investigation, and his health issues during the relevant period. Ultimately, the court concluded that a two-year suspension from the practice of law was appropriate.
The order states:
“Accordingly, after consideration of all of the factors relevant to this matter, we conclude that respondent should be suspended from the practice of law for a period of two years, effective nunc pro tunc to June 5, 2023.”
According to avvo.com, Mr. Lamitie is an attorney in Clay, New York. He acquired his law license in New York in 1993.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
