The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York has accepted the resignation of attorney Wai Kuan Hon. This decision, made on June 11, 2026, allows Hon to resign from the New York bar for nondisciplinary reasons. This ruling affects Hon, who has been practicing law since 1986, and it underscores the process for attorneys wishing to leave the profession without facing disciplinary action.

Hon, who currently resides in London, United Kingdom, submitted her application to resign from the bar, which the Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department (AGC) did not oppose. The court's decision to accept her resignation is significant as it illustrates the procedures in place for attorneys who may wish to step back from their legal careers without any misconduct involved.

The case, documented under docket number PM-121-26, began when Hon filed her affidavit on April 28, 2026, requesting to resign from her position as an attorney. The AGC reviewed her application and communicated their lack of opposition to the court. This led to the court's review of her request and subsequent decision.

In the ruling, the court stated, “Hon is eligible to resign for nondisciplinary reasons,” confirming that her resignation was accepted without any allegations of wrongdoing. The opinion was delivered per curiam, meaning it was issued by the court collectively rather than by a single judge. The judges involved in this decision included Aarons, Pritzker, Ceresia, Fisher, and McShan.

The court ordered that Wai Kuan Hon's name be stricken from the roll of attorneys and counselors-at-law in New York, effective immediately. Additionally, the ruling commands Hon to cease practicing law in any capacity within the state. The court emphasized that she is forbidden to appear as an attorney or counselor-at-law before any court or public authority and must surrender any Attorney Secure Pass issued to her within 30 days.

This ruling is important as it clarifies the process for attorneys who wish to resign without facing disciplinary actions. It sets a precedent for how such resignations can be handled in New York, ensuring that the legal profession maintains its standards while allowing attorneys to exit the field responsibly.

Moving forward, this decision impacts not only Wai Kuan Hon but also serves as a reference for other attorneys considering resignation. It highlights the importance of following proper procedures and obtaining the necessary approvals from the AGC to ensure a smooth transition out of the legal profession.

Details were not available in the court filing regarding whether Hon has any pending cases or obligations that may affect her resignation. However, the ruling makes it clear that she is no longer permitted to practice law in New York.

As for what’s next, it is unclear if Wai Kuan Hon plans to appeal this decision, although typically, resignations for nondisciplinary reasons are not subject to appeal. There are no related cases pending that were mentioned in the court opinion.