The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York has accepted the resignation of attorney Jung W. Kim. This decision, made on June 25, 2026, allows Kim to leave the New York bar for nondisciplinary reasons. The ruling affects Kim's ability to practice law in New York and ensures compliance with legal protocols regarding attorney resignations.
Jung W. Kim, who was admitted to practice law in New York in 2004, submitted an application to resign from the bar. The Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department (AGC) reviewed Kim's request and did not oppose it. This decision is significant as it demonstrates the court's process for handling attorney resignations, especially when they are not related to disciplinary actions.
The case arose when Kim filed an affidavit on May 8, 2026, expressing the desire to resign. The AGC responded positively to Kim's application, leading to the court's review. The court's decision was made during a calendar date on June 22, 2026, with the ruling being finalized just a few days later.
The court ruled, "Jung W. Kim's application for permission to resign is granted and their nondisciplinary resignation is accepted." The judges involved in this decision included Garry, P.J., Aarons, Reynolds Fitzgerald, Corcoran, and Ryba, JJ.
As part of the ruling, the court ordered that Kim's name be stricken from the roll of attorneys and counselors-at-law in New York, effective immediately. This means that Kim is no longer recognized as a licensed attorney in the state. The court also mandated that Kim must cease all legal practice activities in New York, whether as a principal or as an employee of another attorney.
The court further instructed Kim to surrender any Attorney Secure Pass issued to them within 30 days of the decision. This step is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the legal profession and ensuring that only licensed individuals practice law in New York.
This ruling has implications for the legal community, as it underscores the procedures for attorneys wishing to resign from the bar. It highlights the importance of following established protocols, even when the resignation is not due to disciplinary reasons. The AGC's non-opposition to Kim's resignation reflects a cooperative approach to managing attorney registrations and departures.
The decision sets a precedent for similar cases in the future, reinforcing the idea that attorneys can resign without facing disciplinary actions if they meet the necessary requirements. This could encourage other attorneys considering resignation to follow the proper channels, knowing that the process can be straightforward when handled correctly.
Looking ahead, there are no indications that Kim plans to appeal this decision. The court's acceptance of the resignation appears to be final, and there are no related cases pending that could impact this ruling. The legal community will likely monitor any future developments regarding Kim's legal career, but for now, the resignation stands.