On Thursday, December 18, 2025, the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Judicial Department granted attorney Steven Cullen Bennett’s request to resign from the practice of law in New York State.
The decision, documented under Case No. 2025-06777 and Motion No. 2025-05816, effectively disbars Bennett, removing his name from the roll of attorneys and counselors-at-law. The disbarment is retroactive to October 17, 2025, the date of Bennett’s affidavit of resignation.
Bennett’s resignation comes in the wake of an investigation by the Attorney Grievance Committee (AGC) for the First Judicial Department. The AGC supported Bennett’s application for resignation.
In his affidavit, Bennett acknowledged that he is the subject of an AGC investigation stemming from his resignation from the practice of law in Connecticut, which took effect on June 30, 2025. The allegations prompting the Connecticut resignation include failure to respond to a grievance complaint, failure to submit to an audit, and failure to complete required continuing legal education hours.
Bennett stated in his affidavit that he is unable to successfully defend himself against these allegations. He affirmed that his resignation is voluntary, free from coercion, and made with full awareness of the consequences, including disbarment. He also confirmed that the allegations do not involve misappropriation or misapplication of funds. Bennett consented to the Appellate Division’s continuing jurisdiction to order restitution or reimbursement to the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection, should a future application be made.
The court order mandates that Bennett cease practicing law in any capacity, including as a principal, agent, clerk, or employee. He is prohibited from appearing as an attorney before any court, judge, board, commission, or public authority. Furthermore, he cannot provide legal opinions or advice, nor can he present himself as an attorney.
The order also stipulates that Bennett must comply with the rules governing the conduct of disbarred or suspended attorneys, as outlined in 22 NYCRR 1240.15. Finally, he is required to return any secure pass issued by the Office of Court Administration.
According to Avvo, Mr. Bennett acquired his law license in New York in 1991.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
