The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York has accepted the resignation of attorney Daniel Isaac Papermaster. This decision, made on April 30, 2026, allows Papermaster to resign from the New York bar for nondisciplinary reasons. The ruling affects Papermaster's ability to practice law in New York, marking a significant step in his legal career.
Papermaster, who was admitted to practice law in New York in 2012, submitted his resignation application as he sought to step away from his legal practice. The Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department (AGC) did not oppose his request, indicating that there were no disciplinary actions against him at the time of his resignation.
The court's ruling is important as it sets a precedent for attorneys wishing to resign from the bar without facing disciplinary actions. It also highlights the procedures attorneys must follow to resign properly, ensuring that they are no longer eligible to practice law in the state.
Background
Daniel Isaac Papermaster, who listed his business address in Hartford, Connecticut, filed his application for resignation with the Appellate Division. The Attorney Grievance Committee, which oversees attorney conduct and discipline in New York, reviewed his application and found no grounds for opposition. This indicates that Papermaster's decision to resign was voluntary and did not stem from any misconduct or disciplinary issues.
The process for resigning from the bar in New York is outlined in the Rules for Attorney Disciplinary Matters, specifically under section 1240.22. This section allows attorneys to resign for nondisciplinary reasons, which is what Papermaster sought to do. His application included an affidavit sworn to on March 24, 2026, which was submitted to the court on March 25, 2026.
After reviewing the documents and the AGC's response, the court determined that Papermaster was eligible to resign. The ruling was made by a panel of judges, including Pritzker, Ceresia, McShan, Powers, and Ryba.
The Ruling
The court ruled in favor of Papermaster's application, stating, "We grant his application and accept his resignation." This decision effectively removes Papermaster from the roll of attorneys and counselors-at-law in New York.
The court further ordered that Papermaster must cease all legal practice in New York, stating, "Papermaster is hereby forbidden to appear as an attorney or counselor-at-law before any court, judge, justice, board, commission or other public authority." This ruling ensures that Papermaster cannot provide legal advice or represent clients in any capacity within the state.
Additionally, the court mandated that Papermaster must surrender any Attorney Secure Pass issued to him within 30 days of the decision. This requirement is part of the protocol for attorneys resigning from the bar, ensuring that they no longer have access to court facilities or the ability to practice law.
Impact
This ruling has significant implications for Papermaster and the legal community in New York. By accepting his resignation for nondisciplinary reasons, the court reinforces the process that allows attorneys to step away from their practice without facing penalties or accusations of wrongdoing. This decision may encourage other attorneys in similar situations to consider resignation as a viable option.
Furthermore, the ruling emphasizes the importance of following proper procedures when resigning from the bar. It serves as a reminder to attorneys that they must formally withdraw from practice to avoid any potential legal complications in the future. The court's clear stance on prohibiting Papermaster from practicing law also protects the integrity of the legal profession in New York.
What's Next
Details were not available in the court filing regarding whether Papermaster plans to appeal this decision or if there are any related cases pending. However, given that the resignation was accepted for nondisciplinary reasons, it is unlikely that an appeal would be pursued.