In a recent ruling, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York suspended attorney Bruce S. Cantin for two years due to serious misconduct involving client funds. The court's decision affects Cantin, who has been practicing law since 1995, and serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical standards in the legal profession.
The court determined that Cantin misappropriated client funds and failed to maintain proper records related to his escrow account. This ruling highlights the consequences that attorneys can face when they violate their fiduciary duties to clients.
Background
The case, officially titled Matter of Cantin (Docket No. 2023-02992), was initiated by the Grievance Committee for the Second, Eleventh, and Thirteenth Judicial Districts. The committee filed a formal disciplinary proceeding against Cantin on June 15, 2023, citing multiple charges of misconduct related to his handling of client funds.
Bruce S. Cantin, admitted to the New York Bar as Bruce Stuart Cantin, has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years. The allegations against him stemmed from his management of an escrow account at JP Morgan Chase Bank, which he used for client settlements. The Grievance Committee's investigation revealed that Cantin had a history of failing to safeguard client funds, leading to significant deficiencies in his accounts.
The Ruling
On May 20, 2026, the Appellate Division ruled in favor of the Grievance Committee's motion to confirm the report of the Special Referee, which had sustained all five charges against Cantin. The court's opinion stated, "The respondent misappropriated funds entrusted to him as a fiduciary, did not maintain proper bookkeeping records, did not reconcile his escrow account, and could not determine how the deficiencies in both his escrow account and operating account occurred."
The ruling was made by a panel of judges including Hector D. LaSalle, Mark C. Dillon, Colleen D. Duffy, Betsy Barros, and Francesca E. Connolly. The court emphasized that Cantin's conduct warranted a suspension due to the severity of the violations, despite his claims of personal difficulties during the time of the misconduct.
Impact
This ruling sets a clear precedent regarding the consequences of misappropriating client funds and failing to maintain proper records in the legal profession. Cantin's suspension serves as a warning to other attorneys about the importance of adhering to ethical standards and the responsibilities they owe to their clients.
The court's decision also highlights the significance of maintaining accurate financial records and safeguarding client funds. This case may influence how disciplinary actions are handled in the future, particularly concerning attorneys who exhibit similar misconduct.
What's Next
Cantin's suspension will begin on June 19, 2026, and will last for two years, with the possibility of applying for reinstatement no earlier than December 17, 2027. He must demonstrate compliance with various conditions set by the court before he can practice law again. There are no indications in the court filing that Cantin plans to appeal this decision.