The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York has suspended attorney Susan Engonwei Tingwei for three years due to her conviction for health care fraud. This decision affects Tingwei's ability to practice law in New York and underscores the legal profession's commitment to maintaining ethical standards. The ruling emphasizes that criminal conduct, even if it occurs outside the practice of law, can have serious repercussions for attorneys.

Tingwei, who was admitted to practice law in New York in 2018 and in Maryland in 2020, was charged with health care fraud in 2020. The federal investigation found that she submitted false timesheets while working as a personal care aide. In October 2021, she pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud, a felony under federal law. She was sentenced in July 2022 to ten months in prison and two years of supervised release, along with a hefty financial penalty.

The Attorney Grievance Committee (AGC) for the Third Judicial Department initiated the disciplinary proceedings against Tingwei following her felony conviction. They sought to impose disciplinary action based on her criminal record and subsequent disbarment in Maryland. The AGC argued that Tingwei's actions constituted a serious crime under New York law, warranting disciplinary measures to protect the public and uphold the integrity of the legal profession.

The court's ruling, issued on October 29, 2026, confirmed that Tingwei's conviction met the definition of a serious crime in New York. The judges noted, "A plain reading of 18 USC § 1347 clearly meets the definition of a serious crime in New York..." The court also highlighted that her conviction was final as of her sentencing date, allowing them to proceed with the disciplinary action without an interim suspension.

In light of her conviction, the court decided to suspend Tingwei from practicing law for three years. The judges emphasized the need for the ruling, stating that it aimed to protect the public and maintain the honor of the legal profession. They ordered that any future application for reinstatement must include proof of her reinstatement in Maryland.

This ruling has significant implications for Tingwei and other attorneys. It serves as a reminder that criminal behavior can lead to severe consequences, including suspension or disbarment, regardless of when the conduct occurred relative to an attorney's admission to practice. The court's decision also reinforces the principle that attorneys must uphold the highest ethical standards, as their actions can impact public trust in the legal system.

Moving forward, this suspension may impact Tingwei's ability to practice law not only in New York but also in other jurisdictions. The ruling highlights the importance of maintaining ethical conduct within the legal profession and could deter other attorneys from engaging in similar misconduct.

Details were not available in the court filing regarding whether Tingwei plans to appeal the suspension. However, she has filed a petition for a writ of error coram nobis, challenging her federal conviction on various grounds. This petition may play a role in her future legal battles, but it does not currently affect her suspension from practicing law in New York.