The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York has accepted the resignation of attorney Christopher Anthony Lawrence Caruana, effective immediately. This decision, made on November 5, 2026, allows Caruana to resign from the New York bar for nondisciplinary reasons. The ruling impacts Caruana, who has been a practicing attorney since 1994, and ensures he can no longer practice law in New York.

Caruana, who is based in Toronto, Canada, filed his application to resign without facing any disciplinary action. The Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department indicated that it did not oppose Caruana's resignation. This case highlights the process and conditions under which attorneys can resign from the bar in New York.

Background

Christopher Anthony Lawrence Caruana has been an attorney since his admission to the New York bar in 1994. He lists a business address in Markham, Canada, with the Office of Court Administration. The decision to resign was initiated by Caruana himself, who sought leave to resign for nondisciplinary reasons, as outlined in the Rules for Attorney Disciplinary Matters.

The Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department, which oversees attorney conduct in the region, reviewed Caruana's application. They determined that there were no opposing concerns regarding his request for resignation. This led to the court's decision to grant his application.

The Ruling

The court ruled in favor of Caruana's application for resignation, stating, "We grant his application and accept his resignation." The judges involved in this decision included Garry, P.J., Clark, Aarons, Reynolds Fitzgerald, and McShan, JJ. The ruling effectively removes Caruana from the roll of attorneys and counselors-at-law in New York.

Furthermore, the court ordered that Caruana must cease all legal practice in New York. The ruling specified that he is forbidden from appearing as an attorney or counselor-at-law before any court or public authority. Additionally, Caruana is required to surrender any Attorney Secure Pass issued to him within 30 days of the decision.

Impact

This ruling has significant implications for Caruana, who is now prohibited from practicing law in New York. The decision underscores the process for attorneys seeking to resign without facing disciplinary actions. It also reinforces the authority of the Attorney Grievance Committee in evaluating such applications.

By accepting Caruana's resignation, the court sets a precedent that allows attorneys to resign for nondisciplinary reasons, provided they meet specific criteria. This decision may influence other attorneys considering similar actions in the future, as it clarifies the process and expectations involved.

What's Next

Caruana's resignation is effective immediately, and he cannot appeal this decision as it is a voluntary resignation. There are no related cases pending that were mentioned in the court filing. Details were not available in the court filing regarding any future actions Caruana may take.