New York

Westchester County Attorney Ethics & Discipline

Westchester County, directly north of New York City, is a large suburban legal market with significant commercial, real estate, and family law practices. Attorney discipline falls under the Second Department's Ninth Judicial District committee.

File a Bar Complaint in Westchester County

Attorney discipline in Westchester County is handled by the Second Department Attorney Grievance Committee — Ninth Judicial District. If you believe an attorney has violated their professional obligations, you have the right to file a formal complaint.

Visit Second Department Attorney Grievance Committee — Ninth Judicial District →New York Attorney Discipline →

How to File a Bar Complaint Against a Westchester County 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 Second Department Attorney Grievance Committee — Ninth Judicial District. 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 Westchester County / 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

May 9, 2026

Dismissed Without Cause: How Judge Robert S. Ondrovic Wrongly Killed a School District Retaliation Case — and How the Appellate Division Brought It Back

Christopher Kane alleged that the Mount Pleasant Central School District retaliated against him in violation of New York's Human Rights Law. Before any court co

May 9, 2026

Justice Denied, Then Restored: How Judge Robert S. Ondrovic Was Reversed for Improperly Awarding $45,000 in Counsel Fees in Jacobson v. Jacobson

In October 2023, Westchester County Supreme Court Justice Robert S. Ondrovic ordered a divorcing wife to pay $45,000 in interim counsel fees to her husband — wi

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

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