On Thursday, January 26, 2023, the State of New York, Supreme Court, Appellate Division Third Judicial Department suspended attorney Paul Saul Haar for failure to notify the court of his prior discipline in another state.

The case is entitled “In the matter of Paul Saul Haar” with case no. PM-08-23.

In 1997, the District of Columbia Court of Appeals decision established that the respondent had violated the former District of Columbia Disciplinary Rule 9-103(a)(2). The respondent failed then to report this 1997 Decision of suspension to the State of New York Supreme Court and similarly was unable to provide a Notice of the Reciprocal Suspension issued by Maryland.

Mr. Haar didn’t raise any defenses nor contested any of the findings of his failure to report his earlier suspension to the District of Columbia duly. The respondent expressed his sincere apologies for not informing the court and stated that he was aware of his responsibilities. He also noted that he is an Immigration attorney that spent more than 30 years representing indigent clients and religious and charitable organizations along with his submission of several letters that includes other lawyers, former clients, and colleagues, that prove or testify to his character and ethics. He also cited the maintenance of his attorney registration requirements in the State of New York and the fact that he didn’t practice in the same because of his adherence to the suspension order that refrains him to practice in any jurisdiction where is admitted to practice.

The counsel of the respondent sought that only a censure be imposed on the respondent. The State of New York Supreme Court, however, concluded that a term of suspension of 30 days is the more suitable one. Thus, the latter issued a Memorandum and Order dated January 26, 2023, suspending Mr. Haar.

The order states:

“ORDERED that the motion of the Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department is granted; and it is further

ORDERED that respondent is suspended from the practice of law for a period of30 days, effective immediately, and until further order of this Court.”

Mr. Haar attended American University, Washington College of Law, graduating in 1981. He is licensed in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and New York. His info can be found on martindale.com.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.