The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York has reinstated Nam Duc Nguyen as an attorney after he had been suspended for misconduct. This decision, made on June 18, 2026, is significant as it affects Nguyen's ability to practice law and highlights the court's evaluation of an attorney's character and fitness for the profession.
Nguyen's reinstatement is important not only for him but also for the legal community, as it reflects the court's commitment to ensuring that attorneys meet certain standards before they are allowed to practice law again. The court's ruling indicates a thorough review process that assesses an attorney's compliance with previous orders and their overall fitness to serve the public.
Background
Nam Duc Nguyen was previously suspended from practicing law in May 2019 due to violations outlined in Judiciary Law § 468-a. The Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department initiated the proceedings against him. This committee is responsible for overseeing attorney conduct and ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.
Following his suspension, Nguyen sought to be reinstated to the practice of law. He filed a motion with the court, which included an affidavit and other supporting documents. His request was based on the assertion that he had met the necessary requirements set forth by the court for reinstatement.
The case was brought before the Appellate Division, Third Department, which is tasked with reviewing such matters. The court evaluated Nguyen's motion against the backdrop of the rules governing attorney disciplinary actions.
The Ruling
The court ruled in favor of Nguyen, granting his motion for reinstatement. The judges involved in this decision included Pritzker, J.P., Reynolds Fitzgerald, Ceresia, Mackey, and Ryba. In their ruling, they stated, "respondent has satisfied the requirements of Rules of the Appellate Division, Third Department (22 NYCRR) § 806.16 (c) (5)" and confirmed that he had complied with the order of suspension.
Furthermore, the court found that Nguyen possessed the requisite character and fitness to practice law and that reinstatement would serve the public interest. The judges concluded that Nguyen's compliance with the rules and his demonstrated fitness warranted his return to the legal profession.
Impact
This ruling has significant implications for Nguyen and the legal community. For Nguyen, it means he can resume his practice and represent clients once again. His reinstatement illustrates the possibility of redemption and the court's willingness to reinstate attorneys who have demonstrated compliance with legal standards.
For the legal profession, this decision underscores the importance of maintaining ethical standards among attorneys. It serves as a reminder that the court closely monitors attorney conduct and that there are pathways for attorneys to regain their licenses after addressing past misconduct. The ruling may also influence how similar cases are handled in the future, potentially setting a precedent for other attorneys seeking reinstatement after suspension.
What's Next
Nguyen's reinstatement is effective immediately, allowing him to practice law without further delay. There are no indications in the court filing that Nguyen plans to appeal this decision, nor are there any related cases pending at this time. Details were not available in the court filing regarding any ongoing obligations Nguyen may have following his reinstatement.