The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York has accepted the resignation of attorney Diana Merrill Woodman. This decision, made on September 24, 2026, affects Woodman, who has been practicing law since 2005. The ruling is significant as it allows her to step away from the legal profession in New York without facing any disciplinary action.
Diana Merrill Woodman, who is based in Houston, Texas, filed her application for resignation for nondisciplinary reasons. The Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department, which oversees attorney conduct in New York, stated that it does not oppose her request. This indicates that Woodman’s resignation is not due to any misconduct or violation of legal ethics.
Woodman’s journey to this point began when she was admitted to practice law in New York in 2005. Over the years, she maintained her business address in Houston, Texas, while being registered with the New York Office of Court Administration. The process leading to her resignation involved Woodman submitting an affidavit on May 18, 2026, which was later filed on May 22, 2026. The Attorney Grievance Committee reviewed her request and provided a response on September 14, 2026, confirming that she was eligible to resign.
The court's ruling was made by a panel of judges including Garry, P.J., Aarons, Pritzker, McShan, and Mackey. In their decision, the court stated, “Woodman is eligible to resign for nondisciplinary reasons.” They granted her application and accepted her resignation, which is effective immediately.
As part of the ruling, the court ordered that Woodman’s name be stricken from the roll of attorneys and counselors-at-law in New York. This means she can no longer practice law in the state. The court also commanded Woodman to refrain from any legal practice in New York, whether as a principal or as an employee of another. Additionally, she is forbidden from appearing as an attorney before any court or public authority.
Woodman is required to surrender any Attorney Secure Pass issued to her within 30 days of the decision. This pass is a credential that allows attorneys to access court facilities and perform their duties. The court's decision emphasizes the importance of compliance with legal procedures when an attorney chooses to resign.
This ruling has implications for other attorneys considering resignation. It sets a clear precedent that attorneys can resign from the bar for nondisciplinary reasons, provided they follow the necessary legal protocols. The Attorney Grievance Committee's non-opposition to Woodman's resignation suggests that the process may be streamlined for other attorneys in similar situations.
Going forward, this decision may encourage other attorneys who wish to resign without facing disciplinary action to consider their options. It clarifies that resignation does not always have to be linked to misconduct, which could change how attorneys view their professional paths.
As for what’s next, there is no indication that Woodman plans to appeal this decision. The court has made its ruling clear, and it appears that she will be moving on from her legal career in New York without further legal challenges. Details were not available in the court filing regarding any related cases or future actions by Woodman.