Matter of Bernstein

Holding The court granted the Attorney Grievance Committee’s motion for reciprocal discipline, imposing a public censure on the respondent. This sanction was deemed commensurate with the reprimand imposed by the Supreme Court of New Jersey for the respondent’s false statements to tribunals regarding client termination and fee balances.

The court’s words

respondent violated New Jersey Rules of Professional Conduct (NJRPC) rule 3.3(a)(1) (making a false statement of material fact to a tribunal)

2026 NY Slip Op 05239, at the official text

respondent's omission misled the court by implying that both he and his client were in agreement regarding the termination

2026 NY Slip Op 05239, at the official text

the imposition of reciprocal discipline is appropriate (22 NYCRR 1240.13[c])

2026 NY Slip Op 05239, at the official text

A public censure, as requested by the AGC, is the appropriate reciprocal discipline as it is commensurate with the reprimand

2026 NY Slip Op 05239, at the official text