Aubrey Galloway III, an attorney admitted to practice law in New York, has been suspended for three years due to serious violations of professional conduct rules. The ruling, issued by the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York on August 5, 2026, affects Galloway’s ability to practice law and underscores the importance of accountability within the legal profession.
The suspension follows a disciplinary proceeding initiated by the Grievance Committee for the Ninth Judicial District, which found that Galloway failed to represent a client adequately and neglected legal matters entrusted to him. This case serves as a reminder of the standards attorneys are expected to uphold and the consequences of failing to meet those standards.
The parties involved in this case are Aubrey Galloway III, the respondent, and the Grievance Committee for the Ninth Judicial District, which acted as the petitioner. Galloway was previously suspended for one year starting September 27, 2024, due to earlier misconduct. The current disciplinary action was prompted by a complaint from a former client, Antoinette Wynn, who alleged that Galloway failed to take necessary legal steps in her case against a former tenant.
The Grievance Committee filed a notice of petition and a verified petition against Galloway in 2023, detailing several charges of misconduct. Galloway responded by admitting most of the factual allegations but denying any violations of the professional conduct rules. The case was referred to a Special Referee, who conducted hearings and ultimately sustained all charges against Galloway.
The court ruled on the findings of the Special Referee, confirming that Galloway had indeed violated multiple rules of professional conduct. The opinion stated, "all [Wynn's] allegations concerning respondent's 'failures' to represent her were backed up by documentary evidence, largely consisting of emails and cancelled checks." The ruling emphasized that Galloway's excuses for his lack of action were insufficient and that he demonstrated a pattern of neglect and dishonesty.
In total, Galloway faced seven charges, including failing to act with reasonable diligence, neglecting a legal matter, and failing to comply with a client's requests for information. The Special Referee found Galloway's testimony to be disorganized and lacking credibility compared to the clear and organized account provided by Wynn.
The court's decision to impose a three-year suspension reflects the seriousness of Galloway's misconduct. The ruling noted that Galloway had a disciplinary history that included a previous suspension and multiple admonitions for similar issues. The court stated, "In determining an appropriate measure of discipline, we consider that the Special Referee found no applicable mitigating factors."
This suspension means that Galloway will not be able to practice law until at least February 5, 2029, when he may apply for reinstatement. The court outlined specific conditions he must meet to be considered for reinstatement, including proof that he has refrained from practicing law during the suspension period and that he has complied with all relevant legal education requirements.
The ruling has significant implications for Galloway and the legal community. It serves as a warning to attorneys about the importance of maintaining professional standards and the potential consequences of failing to do so. Clients rely on their attorneys to act in their best interests, and when that trust is broken, it can lead to serious repercussions for the attorney involved.
As for Galloway, he has the option to appeal the ruling, but details regarding any potential appeal were not available in the court filing. This case highlights the ongoing efforts of the legal system to ensure that attorneys uphold their responsibilities and maintain the integrity of the profession.