Matter of Kunii
Docket PM-76-26
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- Filed
- Jurisdiction
- New York
- Court
- Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York
- Type
- Opinion
- Case type
- Administrative
- Disposition
- Granted
- Citation
- 2026 NY Slip Op 02496
- Docket
- PM-76-26
Motion for reinstatement to the practice of law following suspension by October 2021 order of the Appellate Division, Third Department
Summary
The Appellate Division, Third Department granted attorney Norika Kunii’s motion to be reinstated to the practice of law after a suspension imposed in October 2021. The court reviewed Kunii’s affidavit, exhibits, and the Committee’s response and found by clear and convincing evidence that she satisfied the reinstatement requirements, complied with the suspension order and court rules, demonstrated the requisite character and fitness, and that reinstatement served the public interest. The court ordered immediate reinstatement under the court’s disciplinary reinstatement rules.
Issues Decided
- Whether respondent satisfied the reinstatement requirements of the Appellate Division, Third Department rules following suspension.
- Whether respondent had complied with the suspension order and applicable court rules.
- Whether respondent demonstrated the requisite character and fitness to practice law and whether reinstatement served the public interest.
Court's Reasoning
The court applied the reinstatement standards in the Rules of the Appellate Division, Third Department (22 NYCRR § 806.16) and the Rules for Attorney Disciplinary Matters (22 NYCRR § 1240.16). Reviewing the motion, affidavit, exhibits, and the Committee’s response, the court found by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent met the formal requirements, had complied with the suspension and court rules, and currently possessed the character and fitness necessary to practice. Those findings showed reinstatement was consistent with the public interest, so the court granted immediate reinstatement.
Authorities Cited
- Rules of the Appellate Division, Third Department22 NYCRR § 806.16
- Rules for Attorney Disciplinary Matters22 NYCRR § 1240.16
- Matter of Attorneys in Violation of Judiciary Law § 468-a198 AD3d 1068 (3d Dept 2021)
Parties
- Petitioner
- Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department
- Respondent
- Norika Kunii
- Attorney
- Monica A. Duffy (for Attorney Grievance Committee)
- Attorney
- Hal R. Lieberman (for respondent)
- Judge
- Clark, J.P.
- Judge
- Ceresia, J.
- Judge
- Fisher, J.
- Judge
- Powers, J.
- Judge
- Corcoran, J.
Key Dates
- Decision entered
- 2026-04-23
- Calendar date
- 2026-04-06
- Respondent affidavit sworn
- 2026-02-27
- Committee responsive correspondence
- 2026-04-01
- Original suspension order
- 2021-10-01
What You Should Do Next
- 1
Update registration and records
Respondent should ensure her attorney registration and any court records reflect her reinstated status and comply with any administrative requirements.
- 2
Notify clients and opposing counsel
If applicable, respondent should notify former or current clients and opposing counsel of her reinstatement and assess whether to resume representation on pending matters.
- 3
Follow any remaining conditions
If the reinstatement carried any conditions set by the court or Committee, respondent should confirm compliance and document satisfying those conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What did the court decide?
- The court granted Norika Kunii’s motion and reinstated her to the practice of law effective immediately.
- Why was she reinstated?
- The court found by clear and convincing evidence that she met the reinstatement requirements, complied with the suspension order and court rules, and demonstrated the necessary character and fitness, and that reinstatement served the public interest.
- Who is affected by this decision?
- The reinstatement directly affects Norika Kunii, the Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department, and any clients or matters she may handle going forward.
- Can this decision be appealed?
- Appellate Division orders on attorney discipline are final in that court; further review would require seeking permission from a higher court, but the document does not indicate any pending appeal.
The above suggestions and answers are AI-generated for informational purposes only. They may contain errors. NoticeRegistry assumes no responsibility for their accuracy. Consult a qualified attorney before relying on them.
Full Filing Text
Matter of Kunii - 2026 NY Slip Op 02496 Matter of Kunii 2026 NY Slip Op 02496 April 23, 2026 Appellate Division, Third Department In the Matter of Attorneys in Violation of Judiciary Law § 468-a. Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department, Petitioner; Norika Kunii, Respondent. (Attorney Registration No. 4964722) Decided and Entered:April 23, 2026 PM-76-26 Calendar Date: April 6, 2026 Before: Clark, J.P., Ceresia, Fisher, Powers And Corcoran, JJ., Concur. Monica A. Duffy, Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department, Albany (Alison M. Coan of counsel), for Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department. Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel LLP, New York City (Hal R. Lieberman of counsel), for respondent. Motion by respondent for an order reinstating her to the practice of law following her suspension by October 2021 order of this Court ( Matter of Attorneys in Violation of Judiciary Law § 468-a , 198 AD3d 1068, 1079 [3d Dept 2021]; see Rules for Atty Disciplinary Matters [22 NYCRR] § 1240.16; Rules of App Div, 3d Dept [22 NYCRR] § 806.16). Upon reading respondent's notice of motion and affidavit with exhibits sworn to February 27, 2026 and the April 1, 2026 responsive correspondence from the Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department, and having determined, by clear and convincing evidence, that (1) respondent has satisfied the requirements of Rules of the Appellate Division, Third Department (22 NYCRR) § 806.16 (c) (5), (2) respondent has complied with the order of suspension and the rules of this Court, (3) respondent has the requisite character and fitness to practice law, and (4) it would be in the public interest to reinstate respondent to the practice of law ( see Rules for Atty Disciplinary Matters [22 NYCRR] § 1240.16 [a]), it is ORDERED that respondent's motion for reinstatement is granted; and it is further ORDERED that respondent is reinstated as an attorney and counselor-at-law, effective immediately. Clark, J.P., Ceresia, Fisher, Powers and Corcoran, JJ., concur.