Matter of Chilliest

Holding The court granted the Attorney Grievance Committee’s motion for interim suspension based on evidence of misappropriated escrow funds and the respondent’s failure to cooperate with the investigation. Although the court found insufficient evidence of venal intent for intentional conversion, the respondent’s non-cooperation and financial misconduct warranted immediate suspension.

The court’s words

respondent converted and/or misappropriated approximately $210,000 in escrow funds in connection with a second client’s real estate transaction

252 AD3d 80, at the official text

respondent has failed to comply with the AGC’s repeated requests that he answer the two complaints

252 AD3d 80, at the official text

he has failed to appear for a deposition and to produce specified documents, as directed by the AGC’s notice to appear and judicial subpoena

252 AD3d 80, at the official text