Matter of Shahinian
Docket PM-77-26
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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
- Other
- Disposition
- Granted
- Citation
- 2026 NY Slip Op 02497
- Docket
- PM-77-26
Motion for reinstatement to the practice of law following a suspension by this Court in September 2024.
Summary
The Appellate Division, Third Department granted Natalie Sirouhi Shahinian's motion to be reinstated to the practice of law after a September 2024 suspension. The court reviewed her affidavit and the Committee's response, found by clear and convincing evidence that she complied with the suspension order and applicable rules, demonstrated the requisite character and fitness, and that reinstatement served the public interest. As a result, the court ordered her reinstatement effective immediately.
Issues Decided
- Whether the respondent complied with the prior suspension order and the court's disciplinary rules.
- Whether the respondent demonstrated the requisite character and fitness to resume practicing law.
- Whether reinstatement to the practice of law is in the public interest.
Court's Reasoning
The court determined by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent satisfied the conditions for reinstatement: she complied with the suspension order and the Appellate Division rules, demonstrated the required character and fitness, and reinstating her would serve the public interest. The court applied the Rules for Attorney Disciplinary Matters (22 NYCRR) governing reinstatement and found the statutory and rule-based criteria met.
Authorities Cited
- Rules for Attorney Disciplinary Matters22 NYCRR § 1240.16
- Rules of the Appellate Division, Third Department22 NYCRR § 806.16
- Matter of Attorneys in Violation of Judiciary Law § 468-a230 AD3d 1498 (3d Dept 2024)
Parties
- Petitioner
- Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department
- Respondent
- Natalie Sirouhi Shahinian
- Judge
- Clark, J.P.
- Judge
- Ceresia, J.
- Judge
- Fisher, J.
- Judge
- Powers, J.
- Judge
- Corcoran, J.
- Attorney
- Monica A. Duffy (for Attorney Grievance Committee)
- Attorney
- Alison M. Coan (of counsel)
Key Dates
- Decision date
- 2026-04-23
- Calendar date (argument/review)
- 2026-04-06
- Affidavit sworn
- 2026-02-28
- Committee correspondence
- 2026-04-01
- Prior suspension order
- 2024-09-01
What You Should Do Next
- 1
Confirm registration and comply with administrative requirements
Respondent should ensure her attorney registration and any administrative obligations (e.g., dues, continuing legal education) are current and documented with the court and grievance committee.
- 2
Notify clients and employers
If applicable, she should notify former or prospective clients and employers of her reinstated status and provide proof of reinstatement.
- 3
Maintain compliance with disciplinary rules
Continue to adhere to the Rules for Attorney Disciplinary Matters and Appellate Division rules to avoid future disciplinary action.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What did the court decide?
- The court granted Ms. Shahinian'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 complied with the suspension order and rules, has the necessary character and fitness, and that reinstatement is in the public interest.
- Who is affected by this decision?
- Ms. Shahinian and any clients or employers who may rely on her legal status are affected; she may again practice law in New York immediately.
- Can this decision be challenged further?
- Appellate Division reinstatement orders are final as to reinstatement; any further challenge would be limited and uncommon, so a party should consult counsel quickly if they believe a procedural defect exists.
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 Shahinian - 2026 NY Slip Op 02497 Matter of Shahinian 2026 NY Slip Op 02497 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; Natalie Sirouhi Shahinian, Respondent. (Attorney Registration No. 4075784) Decided and Entered:April 23, 2026 PM-77-26 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. Natalie Sirouhi Shahinian, Asbury, New Jersey, respondent pro se. Motion by respondent for an order reinstating her to the practice of law following her suspension by September 2024 order of this Court ( Matter of Attorneys in Violation of Judiciary Law § 468-a , 230 AD3d 1498, 1518 [3d Dept 2024]; 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 sworn to February 28, 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 complied with the order of suspension and the rules of this Court, (2) respondent has the requisite character and fitness to practice law, and (3) 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.