Matter of Bennett
2025 NY Slip Op 07099 [247 AD3d 117]
December 18, 2025
Appellate Division, First Department
Published by New York State Law Reporting Bureau pursuant to Judiciary Law § 431.
As corrected through Wednesday, June 3, 2026
In the Matter of Steven Cullen Bennett, an Attorney, Respondent. Attorney Grievance Committee for the First Judicial Department, Petitioner.
First Department, December 18, 2025
PROCEDURAL SUMMARY
Application by respondent pursuant to 22 NYCRR 1240.10 to resign as an attorney and counselor-at-law. Respondent was admitted to the bar on June 25, 1991, at a term of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court in the Third Judicial Department.
HEADNOTES
Attorney and Client — Disciplinary Proceedings — Resignation
Inasmuch as resignor's proffered resignation complied with the requirements of 22 NYCRR 1240.10 in that his affidavit attested that the resignation was submitted voluntarily, without coercion or duress, and with full awareness of the consequences, and he acknowledged that the Court's approval of the application would result in the entry of an order disbarring respondent, and that he could not successfully defend himself against charges of professional misconduct if they were predicated upon the matters under investigation, including that he failed to answer to a grievance complaint in Connecticut, failed to submit to an audit, and failed to attend three hours of continuing legal education, which resulted in respondent's resignation from the practice of law in Connecticut, resignor's resignation was accepted and he was immediately disbarred.
{**247 AD3d at 118}APPEARANCES OF COUNSEL
Jorge Dopico, Chief Attorney, Attorney Grievance Committee, New York City (Gina M. Patterson of counsel), for petitioner.
Steven Cullen Bennett, respondent pro se.
OPINION OF THE COURT
Per Curiam.
Respondent Steven Cullen Bennett was admitted to the practice of law in the State of New York by the Third Judicial Department on June 25, 1991. At all times relevant to this proceeding, he has maintained an address within the First Judicial Department.
Respondent now seeks an order, pursuant to Rules for Attorney Disciplinary Matters (22 NYCRR) § 1240.10, accepting his resignation as an attorney and counselor-at-law licensed to practice in the State of New York. The Attorney Grievance Committee (AGC) supports respondent's application.
In support of the relief sought respondent submitted his affidavit of resignation which conforms to the format set forth in 22 NYCRR part 1240, Appendix A (22 NYCRR 1240.25).
Respondent attests that he is currently the subject of an investigation conducted by the AGC involving allegations of professional misconduct that resulted in respondent's resignation from the practice of law in Connecticut, effective June 30, 2025. Specifically, respondent acknowledges that the allegations include that he failed to file an answer to a grievance complaint in Connecticut, failed to submit to an audit, and failed to attend three hours of continuing legal education.
Respondent further attests that he cannot successfully defend against the allegations under investigation based upon the facts and circumstances of his professional conduct as described herein.
Respondent also attests that his resignation is freely and voluntarily rendered, without coercion or duress by anyone, and with full awareness of the consequences, including that the Court's acceptance and approval shall result in the entry of an order of disbarment striking his name from the roll of attorneys and counselors-at-law. Respondent attests that the allegations do not include allegations of misappropriation or misapplied money and acknowledges that his resignation is submitted subject to any future application that may be made by a committee to any department of the Appellate Division for {**247 AD3d at 119} an order under Judiciary Law § 90 (6-a) directing that he make restitution or reimburse the Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection, and he consents to the continuing jurisdiction of the Appellate Division to make such an order.
Respondent acknowledges and agrees that pending issuance of an order accepting his resignation, he will not undertake to represent any new clients or accept any retainers for future legal services to be rendered, and that there will be no transactional activity in any fiduciary account to which he has access, other than for payment of funds held therein on behalf of clients or others entitled to receive them.
Respondent further understands that, should the Court accept his resignation, the order resulting from his application and the records and documents filed in relation to the aforementioned allegations, including his affidavit, shall be deemed public records in accordance with Judiciary Law § 90 (10).
[*2]As respondent's affidavit conforms with 22 NYCRR 1240.10, the Court accepts his resignation (see Matter of Darby, 244 AD3d 133 [1st Dept 2025]).
Accordingly, the motion should be granted, and respondent's name stricken from the roll of attorneys and counselors-at-law in the State of New York, effective nunc pro tunc to October 17, 2025, the date of his affidavit.
Wherefore, it is ordered that the application of respondent, Steven Cullen Bennett, to resign as an attorney and counselor-at-law pursuant to 22 NYCRR 1240.10 is granted, and respondent is disbarred and his name stricken from the roll of attorneys and counselors-at-law in the State of New York, effective nunc pro tunc to October 17, 2025, and until further order of this Court; and
It is further ordered that, pursuant to Judiciary Law § 90, respondent, Steven Cullen Bennett, is commanded to desist and refrain from (1) the practice of law in any form, either as principal or agent, clerk or employee of another, (2) appearing as an attorney or counselor-at-law before any court, judge, justice, board, commission or other public authority, (3) giving to another an opinion as to the law or its application or any advice in relation thereto, and (4) holding himself out in any way as an attorney and counselor-at-law; and
It is further ordered that, respondent, Steven Cullen Bennett, shall comply with the rules governing the conduct of {**247 AD3d at 120}disbarred or suspended attorneys (see 22 NYCRR 1240.15), which are made part hereof; and
It is further ordered that if respondent, Steven Cullen Bennett, has been issued a secure pass by the Office of Court Administration, it shall be returned forthwith.