Legal Ethics – Professional Responsibility

Taking the high road to zealous representation.

Geri counsels lawyers faced with ethical dilemmas — conflicts, disqualifications, sanctions. Such cases arise when lawyers move from one firm to another, or break-up a firm, or in the course of litigation.  She is experienced in handling investigations, hearings and appellate review of attorney misconduct pursuant to the Code of Professional Responsibility, the Judiciary Law, the New York Rules of Court, and relevant legal and statutory provisions.

Representative Reported Cases

• Sybil Shainwald v. Benedict P. Morelli & Associates, P.C. Hotly contested dispute between lawyer and law firm that spawned proceedings in arbitration, mediation and both state and federal courts involving issues of client solicitation, sanctions and contempt. 
• Morrison v. Board of Law Examiners of State of N.C., 453 F.3d 190 (4th Cir. 2006). Amicus brief addressing unconstitutionality of restrictive Bar Admissions requirement on behalf of Association of Corporate Counsel defendants.
• Storey v. Cello Holdings, L.L.C., 347 F.3d 370 (2d Cir. 2003). Obtained dismissal of Rule 11 sanctions against law firm.
• Graubard Mollen v. Moskovitz, 86 N.Y.2d 112, 653 N.E.2d 1179, 629 N.Y.S.2d 1009 (1995). Case defined the standards that now govern the rights and obligations of law partners who leave their law firms.