A New York attorney, James C. Locantro, has been disbarred following serious allegations of misconduct, including misappropriating client funds. The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York issued this ruling on June 24, 2026, affecting Locantro's ability to practice law and ensuring accountability in the legal profession.
The court's decision comes after Locantro failed to respond to a petition filed by the Grievance Committee for the Second, Eleventh, and Thirteenth Judicial Districts. This ruling emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct among attorneys and the consequences of failing to adhere to professional standards.
Background
James C. Locantro was admitted to the New York Bar on February 8, 1989. He served as an attorney and counselor-at-law for several years before facing disciplinary action. The Grievance Committee initiated a disciplinary proceeding against him, citing multiple violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct.
The committee filed a verified petition on April 3, 2024, which included four charges against Locantro. These charges alleged that he misappropriated client funds, made unauthorized cash withdrawals from his escrow account, misidentified his escrow account, and failed to cooperate with the committee's investigation. The committee served Locantro with a notice of petition on November 26, 2025, directing him to respond within 20 days.
The Ruling
On June 24, 2026, the Appellate Division ruled in favor of the Grievance Committee. The court granted the committee's motion to deem the charges established due to Locantro's failure to respond or participate in the proceedings. The opinion stated, "the charges in the petition are deemed established, and, effective immediately, the respondent is disbarred and his name is stricken from the roll of attorneys and counselors-at-law."
The ruling was made by a panel of judges including Hector D. Lasalle, Mark C. Dillon, Colleen D. Duffy, Betsy Barros, and Barry E. Warhit. The court emphasized the seriousness of the charges and the need for accountability among attorneys.
Impact
This disbarment sends a strong message to the legal community about the consequences of unethical behavior. It reinforces the expectation that attorneys must adhere to high standards of conduct and cooperate with disciplinary investigations. The decision highlights the importance of protecting clients and maintaining the integrity of the legal profession.
Locantro's disbarment means he can no longer practice law in any capacity. He is also required to comply with rules governing disbarred attorneys, which include refraining from offering legal advice or representing clients in any form. This ruling not only affects Locantro but also serves as a reminder to other attorneys about the importance of ethical practices.
What's Next
Details were not available in the court filing regarding any potential appeals. However, Locantro has the right to seek further legal recourse if he chooses to challenge the ruling. There are currently no related cases pending that were mentioned in the opinion.