In a recent ruling by the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, attorney Daivery Gerard Taylor has been suspended from practicing law for three years due to serious misconduct involving client funds. This decision affects Taylor, his law firm, and the clients he serves, emphasizing the importance of ethical standards in legal practice.
The court's ruling, dated June 3, 2026, follows a disciplinary proceeding initiated by the Grievance Committee for the Tenth Judicial District. The committee found that Taylor mismanaged his law firm's escrow account, resulting in substantial financial discrepancies and violations of professional conduct rules.
Background
Daivery Gerard Taylor is a partner in the law firm Silverman and Taylor, PLLC, which has been in operation since 1999. The firm specializes in various legal areas, including personal injury and criminal defense. The Grievance Committee began a formal disciplinary proceeding against Taylor after identifying issues with the management of his escrow account, which is crucial for handling client funds.
The disciplinary action stemmed from multiple allegations, including misappropriation of funds and failure to maintain accurate financial records. The committee filed a notice of petition and a verified petition against Taylor on July 8, 2024. Following a series of hearings and investigations, the Special Referee sustained all charges against him and his law partner, Mark D. Silverman, in a report dated March 11, 2025.
The Ruling
The Appellate Division, led by Presiding Justice Hector D. Lasalle, confirmed the Special Referee's report and decided to impose a three-year suspension on Taylor. The court noted that Taylor had admitted to the factual allegations outlined in the petition and requested leniency, suggesting a public censure instead of suspension. However, the court emphasized the seriousness of the misconduct.
The court stated, "The respondent failed to abide by the rules governing the maintenance of an attorney escrow account for several years, during which time he misappropriated funds entrusted to him as a fiduciary."
In its opinion, the court highlighted that Taylor's actions resulted in a rolling deficiency in the escrow account, with shortages amounting to over $30,000 at times. The ruling pointed out that Taylor only became aware of the issues during the Grievance Committee's investigation, which underscored a lack of oversight and responsibility in managing client funds.
Impact
This ruling serves as a significant reminder of the ethical responsibilities attorneys have regarding client funds. The suspension of Daivery Gerard Taylor not only affects his ability to practice law but also sends a clear message to other legal professionals about the consequences of failing to adhere to professional conduct rules. It highlights the importance of maintaining accurate financial records and the need for transparency in managing client funds.
Moreover, this case may influence future disciplinary actions within the legal community, as it reinforces the expectation that attorneys must uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability. The ruling could lead to increased scrutiny of escrow accounts and financial practices among attorneys, particularly in similar law firms.
What's Next
Daivery Gerard Taylor has the right to appeal the court's decision. However, he must wait until the suspension period ends before applying for reinstatement, which cannot occur before January 3, 2029. The court's ruling also requires him to comply with various conditions during his suspension, including refraining from practicing law and fulfilling continuing legal education requirements.