Alice Marie Jones, an attorney admitted to the New York bar in 1992, has successfully resigned from her position. The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York accepted her resignation for nondisciplinary reasons, which means there were no allegations of misconduct involved. This decision affects Jones, who has been practicing law, and it highlights the process through which attorneys can resign from the bar.
The court's decision was made on October 8, 2026, under docket number PM-224-26. The Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department, which oversees attorney conduct, did not oppose Jones' application for resignation. This indicates that her resignation was amicable and agreed upon by the relevant authorities.
Jones filed her application for resignation on July 31, 2026, accompanied by an affidavit sworn on July 27, 2026. The court reviewed her application and the response from the Attorney Grievance Committee before making its ruling. The court determined that Jones was eligible to resign for nondisciplinary reasons, which is a specific provision under the Rules for Attorney Disciplinary Matters.
In its ruling, the court stated, “ORDERED that Alice Marie Jones' application for permission to resign is granted and her nondisciplinary resignation is accepted.” This quote underscores the court's approval of her request and the absence of any disciplinary issues surrounding her decision to resign.
The ruling was made by a panel of judges, including Pritzker, J.P., Ceresia, Powers, Cocoran, and Ryba, JJ. Their agreement on the matter indicates a consensus among the judges regarding the appropriateness of Jones' resignation.
Following the acceptance of her resignation, the court ordered that Jones' name be stricken from the roll of attorneys and counselors-at-law in New York. This action is effective immediately and means she can no longer practice law in the state. The court also commanded Jones to refrain from any legal practice, whether as a principal or as an employee of another, and to surrender any Attorney Secure Pass issued to her within 30 days.
This case is significant as it illustrates the process for attorneys wishing to resign from the bar without facing disciplinary actions. It shows that attorneys can step away from their legal careers for personal or professional reasons, provided there are no allegations of misconduct. This can be particularly relevant for those who may wish to retire, change professions, or relocate.
Going forward, the ruling sets a clear precedent for other attorneys considering resignation under similar circumstances. It emphasizes that the Attorney Grievance Committee's non-opposition can facilitate a smoother resignation process. This could encourage other attorneys to resign without fear of disciplinary repercussions, knowing there is a structured process in place.
In conclusion, Alice Marie Jones' resignation from the New York bar serves as a reminder of the options available to attorneys who wish to leave the profession for nondisciplinary reasons. The court's ruling provides a clear framework for how such resignations can be processed effectively.
As for what’s next, it appears that there are no pending appeals or related cases mentioned in the court filing. Jones has been granted a clean exit from her role as an attorney in New York, and there are no further legal actions required from her at this time.