Appellate Division: Second Judicial Department

M94094

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WILLIAM F. MASTRO, J.P.

REINALDO E. RIVERA

PETER B. SKELOS

STEVEN W. FISHER

HOWARD MILLER, JJ.

1999-07006 In the Matter of Joel R. Brandes, a disbarred attorney. (Attorney Registration No. 1168483)

DECISION & ORDER ON MOTION FOR REINSTATEMENT

Motion by the respondent for reinstatement as an attorney and counselor-at-law. The respondent was admitted to the Bar at a term of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court in the Second Judicial Department on March 19, 1969. By decision and order on motion of this court dated October 26, 1999, the Grievance Committee for the Tenth Judicial District was authorized to institute and prosecute a disciplinary proceeding against the respondent, and the matter was referred to the Honorable Joseph A. Esquirol, Jr., as Special Referee to hear and report. By decision and order on motion of this Court dated March 28, 2000, the respondent's motion to dismiss the previously authorized disciplinary proceeding was denied. By opinion and order of this court dated April 28, 2002, the respondent was disbarred upon a finding that he was guilty of five charges of professional misconduct. By decision and order of this court dated October 16, 2002, the respondent's motion for reargument or for leave to appeal to the Court of Appeals was denied.

Upon the papers submitted in support of the motion and the papers submitted in relation thereto, it is

ORDERED that the motion is denied.

We find that the respondent does not demonstrate the requisite fitness and character to practice law.

MASTRO, J.P., RIVERA, SKELOS, FISHER and MILLER, JJ., concur.

ENTER:

James Edward Pelzer

Clerk of the Court