Appellate Division: Second Judicial Department

M251774

E/afa

ALAN D. SCHEINKMAN, P.J.

WILLIAM F. MASTRO

REINALDO R. RIVERA

MARK C. DILLON

SHERI S. ROMAN JJ.

2002-01739 In the Matter of James V. Simmonds, a suspended attorney. (Attorney Registration No. 1717842)

DECISION & ORDER ON MOTION FOR REINSTATEMENT

Motion by James V. Simmonds for reinstatement to the Bar as an attorney and counselor-at-law. Mr. Simmonds was admitted to the Bar at a term of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court in the Second Judicial Department on March 25, 1981. By decision and order on application of this Court dated May 16, 2002, the Grievance Committee for the Ninth Judicial District was authorized to institute and prosecute a disciplinary proceeding against Mr. Simmonds, and the issues raised were referred to the Honorable Vincent Pizzuto, as Special Referee, to hear and report. By opinion and order of this Court dated September 22, 2003, Mr. Simmonds was suspended from the practice of law for a period of one year, commencing October 22, 2003, based on two charges of professional misconduct.

Upon the papers filed in support of the motion and the papers filed in response thereto, it is

ORDERED that the motion is held in abeyance and the matter is referred to the Committee on Character and Fitness to investigate and report on John V. Simmonds's character and fitness to practice law.

SCHEINKMAN, P.J., MASTRO, RIVERA, DILLON and ROMAN, JJ., concur.

ENTER:

Aprilanne Agostino

Clerk of the Court