New York

Manhattan Attorney Ethics & Discipline

Manhattan is the legal capital of New York State, home to thousands of attorneys practicing in every area of law. Attorney discipline for Manhattan lawyers falls under the First Department Departmental Disciplinary Committee. The Ethics Reporter covers attorney misconduct investigations involving Manhattan attorneys, including the investigation of EPRA Legal's Ernestas Pravilionis, who lists a Manhattan virtual mailbox as his primary office.

File a Bar Complaint in Manhattan

Attorney discipline in Manhattan is handled by the First Department Departmental Disciplinary Committee (DDC). If you believe an attorney has violated their professional obligations, you have the right to file a formal complaint.

Visit First Department Departmental Disciplinary Committee (DDC) →New York Attorney Discipline →

How to File a Bar Complaint Against a Manhattan Attorney

1
Document everything. Gather all communications with the attorney — emails, letters, invoices, contracts, and any evidence of misconduct. Organize it chronologically.
2
Identify the violations. Review the professional conduct rules for New York and identify which rules the attorney appears to have violated. Common violations include Rule 1.1 (competence), Rule 1.4 (communication), Rule 1.15 (client funds), and Rule 8.4 (misconduct).
3
Submit your complaint. File a written complaint with the First Department Departmental Disciplinary Committee (DDC). Include all supporting documentation and be as specific as possible about dates, facts, and the specific harm caused.
4
Follow up. The grievance committee will typically acknowledge your complaint and assign an investigator. The process can take months to years. Stay in contact and provide any additional information requested.
5
Consider civil remedies. A bar complaint is separate from a legal malpractice lawsuit. If you suffered financial damages, consult with a legal malpractice attorney about your civil remedies, which operate on a different timeline than bar discipline.

What Attorney Misconduct Can You Report?

Rule 1.1 — Competence

Attorney lacks knowledge or skill for the matter

Rule 1.4 — Communication

Attorney fails to respond or keep you informed

Rule 1.15 — Client Funds

Attorney mishandles or steals money held in trust

Rule 1.3 — Diligence

Attorney fails to act with reasonable promptness

Rule 7.1 — Advertising

False or misleading communications about services

Rule 8.4 — Misconduct

Fraud, dishonesty, or criminal acts

Learn more about legal ethics reform →

Investigations Involving Manhattan / New York

May 16, 2026

The Claim That Cannot Be Proven: How EPRA Legal’s Website May Violate New York Rule 7.1

A two-year attorney advertising “Big City Services at Upstate Prices” and “Full-Service Legal Solutions” on his website. New York Rule 7.1 forbids advertising t

May 16, 2026

No Office, No Experience, No Real Photos: The Troubling Ethics Questions Surrounding New York Attorney Ernestas Pravilionis

A New York attorney admitted in 2024 lists three office addresses — all confirmed virtual mailboxes or coworking spaces. His website uses AI-generated images to

March 27, 2026

Jianming Shen: New York Immigration Attorney Publicly Censured for Commingling Nearly $3 Million in Client Funds and Making False Statements to Eight Individuals

The rules governing attorney trust accounts exist for one reason: to protect clients from the moment their money enters an attorney’s possession until the

March 26, 2026

Omid Zareh: New York Attorney Publicly Censured After Federal Court Finds Legal Brief Was AI-Generated and Unverified

INTRODUCTION The legal profession has a word for what an attorney does when they cite a case to a court: representation. When a lawyer writes “see Smith v

March 24, 2026

Simone Melissa Gold: Doctor, Lawyer, and January 6 Capitol Participant Suspended Five Years by New York Bar — Despite Presidential Pardon

When Simone Melissa Gold entered the United States Capitol building on January 6, 2021, she was a licensed physician and a licensed attorney two credentials th

March 22, 2026

Jamie T. Ferrara: New York Attorney Disbarred for Refusing to Cooperate With Disciplinary Investigation — Ninth Judicial District

On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department disbarred attorney Jamie T. Ferrara. The disbarment w

Know a Manhattan Attorney Who Should Be Investigated?

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