On Wednesday, November 23,  2022, the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division Third Judicial Department ruled on New York City attorney Donna Usana Wingate’s petition for reinstatement.

The case titled ‘In the Matter of Attorneys in Violation of Judiciary Law § 468-a’ was brought by Respondent Windgate, case no. PM-201-22.

The following are summarized from the filing:

By an Order of the Court dated May 2019, Wingate was suspended from the practice of law for her failure to comply with her attorney registration obligations beginning in 2014. Wingate had already cured her registration delinquency in February 2021. The Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department opposed Wingate’s application, noting deficiencies. Wingate replied to various concerns raised, and submitted further documentation, in support of her application.

The Order states:

“Turning to the merits of respondent’s application, we find that her statements and submissions demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that she has satisfied of the above-referenced substantive requirements. To this end, respondent has adequately demonstrated her compliance with the order of suspension and the Rules governing suspended attorneys, including the prohibition on the unauthorized practice of law.”

The Order continues:

“As to her character and fitness, respondent’s application materials raise no cause for concern, as she attests that she does not suffer from any condition that might impair or limit her ability to practice law and that she has not been the subject of any adverse criminal or disciplinary action or governmental investigation since her suspension. ”

The Order additionally notes:

“We further conclude that respondent’s reinstatement would be in the public interest. Mindful that the nature of respondent’s professional misconduct does not raise any concerns regarding harm to a client, as well as her otherwise spotless disciplinary history, we also find that no detriment would inure to the public from respondent’s reinstatement.”

With the foregoing facts, the court ruled in favor of Wingate.

The Disposition reads:

“ORDERED that respondent’s motion 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. “

As of today, Ms. Donna Usana Wingate has been licensed in New York, license no. 3024528.

A copy of the reinstatement order can be found here.