The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York has accepted the resignation of attorney Leroy Johnston III, effectively removing him from the roll of attorneys. This decision, made on October 2, 2026, affects Johnston and his ability to practice law in New York. The ruling highlights the court's authority to accept resignations for non-disciplinary reasons, a process that ensures attorneys can step away from their profession without facing disciplinary actions.
Johnston's resignation is significant as it reflects a voluntary decision rather than a reaction to any misconduct or disciplinary issues. This type of resignation allows attorneys to leave the profession while maintaining their reputation. The court's acceptance of Johnston's resignation underscores the importance of providing attorneys with the option to resign without the stigma of disciplinary proceedings.
The case came before the Appellate Division as Johnston formally applied to resign. The court reviewed his application and ultimately accepted it, allowing him to withdraw from his role as an attorney. The ruling serves as a reminder that attorneys have the right to resign from practice for personal or professional reasons, separate from any disciplinary concerns.
In its ruling, the court stated, "Application to resign for non-disciplinary reasons accepted and name removed from roll of attorneys." This clear and concise statement reflects the court's straightforward approach to Johnston's resignation. The decision was made by a panel of judges including Lindley, J.P., Ogden, Nowak, Delconte, and Skinner.
The impact of this ruling extends beyond Johnston himself. It serves as a precedent for other attorneys who may find themselves in similar situations, allowing them to resign without fear of damaging their professional reputation. The court's decision reinforces the notion that attorneys can make personal choices regarding their careers without facing repercussions from disciplinary boards.
Going forward, this ruling may encourage other attorneys contemplating resignation to do so without hesitation, knowing that they can do so for non-disciplinary reasons. It opens a pathway for attorneys to step back from their practice, whether for personal reasons, health issues, or other life circumstances, without the added burden of a disciplinary process.
Details were not available in the court filing regarding Johnston's reasons for resigning. However, the acceptance of his resignation indicates that the court found no need for further inquiry into his professional conduct.
As for what’s next, Johnston's resignation is final, and there is no indication that he plans to appeal the decision. The court's ruling stands as a completed action, with Johnston's name officially removed from the roll of attorneys. There are no related cases pending that would affect this decision.