On Thursday, November 14, 2024, the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Judicial Department disbarred attorney John N. Iannuzzi from the practice of law in the state. This decision followed Iannuzzi’s voluntary resignation amidst ongoing disciplinary proceedings initiated by the Attorney Grievance Committee (AGC).
The case is entitled “In the Matter of John N. Iannuzzi,” with case no. 2022-00927.
Iannuzzi faced serious allegations of professional misconduct, including the commingling of earned legal fees with client funds, inadequate bookkeeping, and premature withdrawal of legal fees from his trust account. In a motion dated April 25, 2024, Iannuzzi sought to resign, acknowledging the investigation into his conduct. He acknowledged his inability to effectively defend against the allegations and emphasized that his decision to resign was made voluntarily, free from any external pressure.
At 89 years old and in poor health, Iannuzzi highlighted his ongoing medical issues, including dialysis for kidney failure, as factors influencing his resignation. Notably, he claimed that there were no allegations of restitution owed to clients or third parties.
The AGC did not oppose Iannuzzi’s motion for resignation and confirmed that he met the procedural requirements outlined in the New York Rules for Attorney Disciplinary Matters. However, the AGC noted concerns regarding Iannuzzi’s admission of misconduct, particularly his failure to fully address the dishonest nature of his actions.
In the court’s ruling, Iannuzzi’s name was officially removed from the roll of attorneys. The court further ordered that he must refrain from practicing law in any capacity, representing himself as an attorney, or providing legal advice. Additionally, if Iannuzzi held a secure pass issued by the Office of Court Administration, he was instructed to return it immediately.
The Disposition states:
“Wherefore, it is Ordered that the application of respondent to resign as an attorney and counselor-at-law pursuant to 22 NYCRR 1240.10 is granted and respondent, John N. Iannuzzi, admitted as John Nicholas Iannuzzi, is disbarred and his name is stricken from the roll of attorneys and counselors-at-law in the State of New York, effective nunc pro tunc to April 18, 2024.”
According to avvo.com, Mr. Iannuzzi was a criminal defense attorney in New York, New York. He attended the New York Law School, graduating in 1962. He acquired his law license in New York in the same year.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
