New York attorney Kelly Lynn McCollum has been suspended from practicing law due to her failure to respond to multiple client complaints. This decision, made by the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York on October 15, 2026, affects McCollum's ability to practice law and highlights the importance of attorney accountability.
The court's ruling comes as a response to a motion filed by the Attorney Grievance Committee (AGC) for the First Judicial Department, which sought McCollum's immediate suspension. The AGC cited her lack of communication with clients and failure to provide requested documents as major concerns. This case serves as a reminder of the responsibilities attorneys have toward their clients and the legal system.
Kelly Lynn McCollum, who was admitted to the New York Bar on June 28, 2010, under the name Kelly Lynn Hall, has faced several complaints from clients regarding her legal services. The AGC opened investigations based on three separate complaints from clients who claimed they had paid McCollum for legal representation but received little to no service in return. These complaints were filed between August 2025 and January 2026, and included allegations of failing to respond to client inquiries and not issuing refunds for unearned fees.
The first complaint was lodged by a client identified as L.G., who retained McCollum for an ethics matter and paid her $2,700. L.G. claimed that McCollum did not perform any work and failed to respond to his requests for updates. Despite acknowledging that he was owed a refund, McCollum did not follow through. The second complaint came from C.S., who paid approximately $3,200 for assistance with a law school admission matter but received no services in return. The third complaint was filed by P.M., who retained McCollum to file a waiver petition for the New York bar exam, paying her a $1,350 retainer. P.M. also reported a lack of communication and ultimately filed his own petition after McCollum failed to act.
The AGC attempted to contact McCollum multiple times regarding these complaints, sending her emails and certified letters. However, she did not respond to any of these requests. After a deposition on April 3, 2026, where she admitted to not disputing the allegations against her, the AGC moved for her interim suspension. The court found that McCollum's behavior constituted professional misconduct, as outlined in the Rules of Professional Conduct.
The court ruled, "Respondent's admissions with respect to both clients establish that she neglected legal matters entrusted to her..." It further stated that her failure to comply with the AGC's requests and her lack of cooperation warranted immediate suspension. The judges presiding over this ruling included Hon. Saliann Scarpulla, Manuel Mendez, Marsha D. Michael, Margaret A. Chan, Shlomo S. Hagler, and Jorge Dopico.
This suspension means that McCollum is now prohibited from practicing law in New York until further notice. She must also refrain from providing legal advice or representing clients in any capacity. The ruling emphasizes the necessity for attorneys to maintain communication with their clients and adhere to legal obligations.
The implications of this ruling extend beyond McCollum. It serves as a warning to other attorneys about the importance of responding to client concerns and complying with requests from the AGC. Failure to do so can lead to severe consequences, including suspension or disbarment.
Moving forward, McCollum has the option to appeal the suspension. She may also request a post-suspension hearing within 20 days of the order's service. This decision highlights the ongoing challenges within the legal profession regarding accountability and client trust.