September 27, 2019: State Bar Association Responds to Sen. Kamala Harris’ Call to Investigate Former NYC Mayor Rudolph Giuliani

September 27, 2019: State Bar Association Responds to Sen. Kamala Harris’ Call to Investigate Former NYC Mayor Rudolph Giuliani

9.27.2019

By Communications Department

In response to U.S. Senator Kamala Harris’ call for the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) to investigate former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and “probably” disbar him, NYSBA President Hank Greenberg issued the following statement:

“There is a common misperception among the general public and the media that NYSBA is responsible for investigation and enforcement of ethical violations by attorneys licensed to practice law in New York State. Membership in NYSBA is entirely voluntary, and attorneys are not required to belong in order to practice in New York. As such, NYSBA is not empowered to investigate inquiries related to professional conduct. This authority legally rests with the Appellate Division of State Supreme Court, which has appointed grievance committees to investigate complaints. That said, we continue to work with New York’s judicial branch regarding rules of ethics for lawyers and providing guidance to our members and the legal profession on meeting ethical standards.”

Information about the grievance process and contact information for the grievance committees is available on the Unified Court System’s website at http://ww2.nycourts.gov/attorneys/grievance/index.shtml.

About the New York State Bar Association

The New York State Bar Association is the largest voluntary state bar association in the nation. Since 1876, NYSBA has helped shape the development of law, educated and informed the legal profession and the public, and championed the rights of New Yorkers through advocacy and guidance in our communities.

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Contact: Christian Nolan

[email protected]

518/487-5536