On Thursday, April 6, 2023, the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division Third Judicial Department ruled on the petition for reinstatement filed by New Jersey attorney Purnima Devi Ramlakhan.

The case is styled ‘In the Matter of Purnima Devi Ramlakhan,’ case #PM-80-23.

According to the Memorandum and Order on Motion, Ramlakhan was suspended from practice by a May 2019 order of the Court for violation of the Judiciary Law §468-a, arising from her failure to comply with attorney registration obligations beginning in 2014. Ramlakhan sought reinstatement after curing her registration delinquency in October 2021. However, the Attorney Grievance Committee objected to Ramlakhan’s reinstatement.

The court, on the other hand, is convinced that Ramlakhan has established that she has not practiced in New York during her suspension, but rather has been practicing in New Jersey, resolving AGC’s concerns.

The filing states:

“Respondent has similarly demonstrated that she remains current with the developments in the law, providing proof of her completion of New York continuing legal education credits.”

The filing continues:

“Similarly, and as noted by AGC, while the website of respondent’s current employer lists her as an attorney admitted to practice in this state, despite her suspension, this does not preclude her reinstatement, as there are no other indicators that she has been practicing in this state during the suspension.”

The filing additionally notes:

“Turning to the issue of respondent’s character and fitness, respondent provided recent certificates establishing her good standing in the other jurisdictions where she is admitted to practice. Respondent’s application further indicates she has not been involved in any lawsuits, and is not subject to any unsatisfied judgments, overdue debts or judgments, bankruptcies, criminal charges, or governmental investigations.”

Accordingly, the Court, having found that Ramlakhan’s reinstatement to the practice of law would not be detrimental to the public, ruled in favor of Ramlakhan.

The order reads:

“ORDERED that respondent’s motion for reinstatement is granted; and it is further

ORDERED that respondent is reinstated as an attorney and counselor-at-law in the State of New York. effective immediately.”

Ms. Purnima Devi Ramlakhan practices in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey, and is listed in Leary, Bride, Mergner & Bongiovanni, P.A. as a counsel. She received her J.D. from Widener University Delaware Law School. She has been admitted to the New York Bar, license no. 4036489, as well as in New Jersey. Her info can be found on LinkedIn.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.