On Thursday, July 17, 2025, the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Judicial Department suspended attorney Robert Declan Dunne from the practice of law. This decision comes as part of disciplinary proceedings initiated by the Attorney Grievance Committee (AGC) for the First Judicial Department.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Robert Declan Dunne,” with case number 2025-01532.
Dunne, who was admitted to the New York Bar on November 26, 2002, was suspended for failing to comply with multiple investigative demands from the AGC, which included neglecting to appear for an examination under oath and not producing requested documents as specified by a judicial subpoena. His suspension was effective immediately and is in accordance with 22 NYCRR 1240.9(a)(1) and (3), which outlines conditions under which an attorney may be suspended when their conduct poses a threat to public interest.
The AGC’s investigation into Dunne began after a payment of $1,000 made by him to PayPal was returned due to insufficient funds on April 5, 2024. Following this incident, the AGC attempted to reach Dunne via email, but their communications were returned as undeliverable. Subsequently, the AGC mailed several requests to Dunne’s registered home address, seeking his response to the dishonored check and asking for his IOLA (Interest on Lawyers’ Accounts) bank records for the six months preceding the incident.
Despite these efforts, Dunne did not respond. The AGC sent further letters, including a warning about potential disciplinary action due to his failure to cooperate. These communications were also mailed using certified methods to ensure delivery. On November 13, 2024, the AGC personally served Dunne with a subpoena at his home address, but he failed to appear for the required examination. Attempts to serve him at his business address were unsuccessful.
The AGC then moved for Dunne’s interim suspension based on his continued noncompliance with legal obligations. The court found that the AGC had met the necessary burden of proof, highlighting that Dunne’s lack of cooperation with the AGC’s investigation constituted misconduct that jeopardized public interest.
As part of the court’s order, Dunne is prohibited from practicing law in any capacity, including appearing before any court or providing legal advice. He is also required to adhere to the rules governing the conduct of suspended attorneys during this period. Additionally, if he holds any secure pass issued by the Office of Court Administration, it must be returned immediately.
According to Avvo, Mr. Dunne is a personal injury lawyer in New York, NY. He acquired his law license in New York in 2002.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
