In a recent ruling, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York suspended attorney Janelle Melissa Lewis from practicing law. This decision came after Lewis failed to cooperate with an investigation by the Attorney Grievance Committee (AGC) regarding allegations of professional misconduct. The suspension is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice.
This ruling affects Lewis, who has been practicing law since her admission to the New York Bar in April 2013. The case highlights the importance of attorneys' compliance with disciplinary investigations, as failure to do so can lead to immediate suspension.
Background
The dispute centers around Janelle Melissa Lewis, who was admitted to the New York Bar in 2013. The Attorney Grievance Committee for the First Judicial Department initiated disciplinary proceedings against her after receiving a complaint from an immigration attorney in Texas. The complainant had hired Lewis through an online platform to draft a legal response for a case in the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico.
However, the complainant later discovered that Lewis's draft contained numerous citations to non-existent cases, which were attributed to errors generated by an artificial intelligence program, possibly ChatGPT. As a result, the complainant faced a $1,500 fine and was required to report Lewis's actions to the New York disciplinary authorities. This initiated the AGC's investigation into Lewis's conduct.
The Ruling
On May 14, 2026, the Appellate Division ruled in favor of the AGC's motion to suspend Lewis from practicing law. The court found that Lewis had failed to appear for a scheduled examination under oath (EUO) and did not comply with a judicial subpoena requesting documents related to the investigation. The court stated, "the record demonstrates that respondent refused to appear for an EUO and produce the requested documents as directed by judicial subpoena."
The ruling was issued by a panel of judges including Hon. Saliann Scarpulla, Martin Shulman, Julio Rodriguez III, Marsha D. Michael, and Margaret A. Chan. The court emphasized that Lewis's actions constituted a threat to the public interest, which justified her immediate suspension.
Impact
This suspension serves as a significant reminder of the responsibilities that attorneys have in cooperating with disciplinary investigations. The court's decision underscores the potential consequences of failing to comply with lawful demands from the AGC. It also aligns with previous rulings where attorneys faced similar suspensions for non-compliance, reinforcing the notion that attorneys must adhere to ethical standards and cooperate with investigations.
The ruling may have broader implications for attorneys who engage with clients through online platforms. It highlights the need for attorneys to ensure the accuracy of their work and the importance of maintaining professional integrity, especially when utilizing technology in legal practices.
What's Next
Lewis has the option to appeal the suspension. According to the court's order, she may submit a request for a post-suspension hearing within 20 days of the order's service. The outcome of this hearing could determine her ability to return to practice or face further disciplinary actions.