Attorney discipline serves as a safeguard to protect the public, maintain confidence in the legal profession, and uphold the integrity of the courts. The case of Nat John Azznara, a New York attorney, is a striking example of how criminal convictions and fiduciary breaches can permanently end a legal career. Disbarred in 2010 after a felony conviction and financial misconduct, Azznara’s case underscores the serious consequences of violating both criminal law and professional ethics.
Matter of Azznara, 74 A.D.3d 1399 (N.Y. App. Div. 2d Department 2010).
On January 14, 2010, Nat John Azznara pleaded guilty in Westchester County, New York, to grand larceny in the second degree and grand larceny in the third degree.
•He was sentenced to six months incarceration followed by five years of probation.
•In addition, Azznara was ordered to pay $61,351.45 in restitution to victims.
Under Judiciary Law s90(4)(a), any attorney convicted of a felony in New York is automatically disbarred. As a result, Azznara was deemed disbarred by operation of law as of January 14, 2010 the date of his guilty plea.
Shortly after his conviction, on February 23, 2010, Azznara attempted to resign from the bar amid additional allegations of misconduct. Specifically, he faced claims of breaching his fiduciary duties by failing to account for entrusted client funds.
The Appellate Division, Second Department, initially accepted his resignation and ordered disbarment. However, that order was later vacated, because Azznara had already been automatically disbarred under Judiciary Law s90(4)(a). Once disbarment by operation of law occurs, an attorney’s resignation has no legal effect.
The Court’s final decision left no ambiguity:
•Effective January 14, 2010, Azznara’s name was stricken from the roll of attorneys and counselors-at-law in New York.
•He is permanently prohibited from practicing law, giving legal advice, or holding himself out as an attorney in any capacity.
The Azznara case highlights two critical lessons for attorneys:
1.Criminal conduct guarantees severe consequences — Felony convictions automatically trigger disbarment in New York, regardless of mitigating factors.
2.Fiduciary breaches erode trust — Mismanagement or misappropriation of client funds is among the most serious violations of professional ethics.
3.Disciplinary procedures are unforgiving — Once automatic disbarment occurs, resignation or other maneuvers cannot alter the outcome.
The disbarment of Nat John Azznara illustrates the unforgiving nature of disciplinary rules when attorneys cross both ethical and legal boundaries. His felony conviction for grand larceny and breach of fiduciary duty not only led to incarceration and restitution but also resulted in the permanent loss of his law license. For lawyers, the case is a sobering reminder: safeguarding client trust and adhering to the law are non-negotiable pillars of professional responsibility.
Want more ethics breakdown like this?
Subscribe to our blog or follow us for weekly case summaries, rules analyses, and disciplinary updates