In a recent ruling, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York accepted the resignation of attorney Andrew J. Rodnite. This decision, issued on October 8, 2026, allows Rodnite to leave the New York bar without facing any disciplinary action. His resignation is effective immediately, which means he can no longer practice law in New York.

This ruling affects Rodnite, who has been an attorney since 1984, and it is significant as it highlights the process by which attorneys can resign from the bar for nondisciplinary reasons. The Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department did not oppose Rodnite's application, which facilitated the court's decision.

Background

Andrew J. Rodnite, who is based in Clearwater, Florida, has been a practicing attorney for nearly 42 years. He filed an affidavit on August 17, 2026, expressing his desire to resign from the New York bar. The Attorney Grievance Committee (AGC) for the Third Judicial Department reviewed his application and determined that Rodnite was eligible to resign for nondisciplinary reasons, which are outlined in the Rules for Attorney Disciplinary Matters.

The AGC's role is to oversee attorney conduct and ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards. In this case, the AGC did not oppose Rodnite's resignation, indicating that there were no ongoing disciplinary issues or concerns regarding his conduct as an attorney. The court's decision came after reviewing Rodnite's affidavit and the AGC's correspondence.

The Ruling

The court ruled unanimously to grant Rodnite's application for resignation. The judges involved in this decision were Aarons, J.P., Ceresia, Fisher, Powers, and Corcoran. The court stated, "Upon reading Rodnite's affidavit... and having determined that Rodnite is eligible to resign for nondisciplinary reasons, we grant his application and accept his resignation." This ruling effectively strikes Rodnite's name from the roll of attorneys and counselors-at-law in New York.

Furthermore, the court ordered Rodnite to cease any legal practice in New York, stating that he is "forbidden to appear as an attorney or counselor-at-law before any court, judge, justice, board, commission or other public authority." This directive reinforces the seriousness of his resignation and the importance of adhering to the legal profession's standards.

Impact

The acceptance of Rodnite's resignation carries implications for both him and the legal community in New York. For Rodnite, it marks the end of his formal legal career in the state, allowing him to move on without any disciplinary record. For the legal community, it serves as a reminder of the options available to attorneys who may wish to resign without facing disciplinary action.

This ruling does not set a new legal precedent, as resignations for nondisciplinary reasons are already provided for under the existing rules for attorney disciplinary matters. However, it does clarify the process and reinforces the AGC's role in evaluating such applications. The decision may encourage other attorneys considering resignation to pursue this path if they meet the necessary criteria.

What's Next

Rodnite's resignation is effective immediately, and he must comply with the court's order to surrender any Attorney Secure Pass issued to him within 30 days. Details were not available in the court filing regarding whether Rodnite has any pending legal matters or if he plans to appeal this decision.