The Departmental Disciplinary Committee for the First Judicial Department sought to disbar attorney Robert S. Brown after he pled guilty to obstruction of justice.
In a deal reached with the U.S. Attorney's Office, Brown admitted that he had used a bunch of shell companies to illegally transfer more than $25 million. Charged with lying to the FBI, Brown agreed to forfeit $275,000 of illicitly gained proceeds. And although he agreed he should be disbarred, Brown submitted a letter which expressed hope that he could reapply for re-admission in the future.
Since he was charged with a federal crime, which was akin to a New York felony, the Appellate Division, First Department, concurred with the DDC's position that Brown's disbarment was automatic.
Lawyers don't die, they just lose their appeal.
To view a copy of the Appellate Division's decision, please use this link: Matter of Brown