In a recent ruling, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York denied a motion for leave to appeal from Perry S. Reich, a disbarred attorney seeking reinstatement. The decision, issued on June 25, 2026, affects Reich's ability to practice law again, following his disbarment. This ruling is significant as it underscores the challenges faced by disbarred attorneys in regaining their licenses.
Perry S. Reich, who was disbarred, made efforts to appeal a prior decision that denied his motion for reinstatement. The court's ruling highlights the rigorous standards that disbarred attorneys must meet to be reinstated to practice law. The decision is particularly important for others in similar situations, as it sets a precedent regarding the appeal process for disbarred attorneys in New York.
Background
The case revolves around Perry S. Reich, who was previously registered as an attorney in New York under Attorney Registration No. 1088582. His disbarment followed a series of disciplinary actions that led to the loss of his license to practice law. The specifics of the misconduct that resulted in his disbarment were not detailed in the court filing.
After being disbarred, Reich sought to have his case reviewed and filed a motion for reinstatement to the practice of law. However, his initial request was denied by the court on December 18, 2025. Following this denial, Reich sought to appeal the decision, which ultimately led to the current ruling from the Appellate Division.
The Ruling
The Appellate Division, consisting of Judges Garry, Aarons, Reynolds Fitzgerald, and Mackey, ruled on Reich's motion for leave to appeal. The court stated, "Upon the papers filed in support of the motion, the papers filed in opposition thereto and the papers filed in reply, it is ORDERED that the motion for leave to appeal is denied." This ruling effectively closes the door on Reich's attempts to regain his law license through this appeal.
By denying the motion for leave to appeal, the court reinforced the principle that disbarred attorneys face significant hurdles in their quest for reinstatement. The judges emphasized the importance of adhering to the established legal standards that govern attorney conduct and reinstatement.
Impact
This ruling has important implications for disbarred attorneys in New York and potentially beyond. It illustrates the challenges they face in navigating the legal system to regain their licenses. The decision serves as a reminder that the courts take attorney misconduct seriously and that the path to reinstatement is fraught with obstacles.
Additionally, this ruling may influence future cases involving disbarred attorneys seeking reinstatement. It sets a precedent that could affect how similar cases are handled in the future, particularly regarding the appeals process. Attorneys who have faced disbarment may need to carefully consider their options and the likelihood of success before pursuing reinstatement.
What's Next
Reich's options appear limited following this ruling. He may seek to file a further appeal, but the likelihood of success remains uncertain. There are no related cases pending that were mentioned in the opinion. Details were not available in the court filing regarding further actions Reich may take.