Francis X. Morrissey was convicted of three felonies (a scheme to defraud in the first degree, conspiracy in the fourth degree, and forgery in the second degree) and a misdemeanor (conspiracy in the fifth degree), which all stemmed from a plot to defraud Brooke Astor out of millions.
When the Disciplinary Committee sought to remove Mr. Morrissey from the state's "roll of attorneys," he asked the Appellate Division, First Department, to refrain from taking any action until an appeal of his criminal case was decided.
Because Morrissey was "automatically disbarred," and "ceased to be an attorney" once he was convicted of a felony, the AD1 denied the requested relief.
How precious was that?
To view a copy of the Appellate Division's decision, please use this link: Matter of Morrissey