Bay Ridge Lawyers Association hosts lecture on attorney discipline

December 9, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Bay Ridge Lawyers Association President Mario Romano (left) presents attorney Mark Longo with a certificate of appreciation following Longo's lecture on “The Attorney Disciplinary Process and What to Avoid” during the association’s monthly Continuing Legal Education meeting at Mama Rao’s in Dyker Heights. Longo, a partner at Abrams Fensterman, LLP, and a former chair of the New York State Grievance Committee, shared insights on maintaining professional ethics and avoiding common pitfalls in legal practice. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

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The Bay Ridge Lawyers Association held its monthly Continuing Legal Education meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at Mama Rao’s in Dyker Heights, where members gathered to hear Mark Longo, a past president of the Brooklyn Bar Association, deliver a lecture titled, “The Attorney Disciplinary Process and What to Avoid.”

Longo, a partner at Abrams Fensterman, brought decades of legal experience to the discussion. Admitted to the bar in 1977, Longo built his career litigating personal injury and insurance cases and representing attorneys in grievance matters.

Margaret Stanton (left) and Andrea Bonina. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

Over the years, he has taken on leadership roles in organizations like the Columbian Lawyers Association of Brooklyn, where he served as president, and the New York State Grievance Committee for the Second Department, which he chaired from 1994 to 2002.

His contributions to the legal profession have earned him recognition, including the New York State Bar Association’s Attorney Professionalism Award in 2010 and its Pro Bono Service Award in 2000.

From left: Adam Kalish, the immediate past president of the Bay Ridge Lawyers Association, Hon. Lawrence Knipel, the administrative judge of the Kings County Supreme Court, Civil Term, Michael Benjamin, and Hon. Mark Partnow. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

In his presentation, Longo outlined the statutory framework and rules that govern attorney conduct in New York, including Judiciary Law Section 90 and the Rules of Professional Conduct. He described the role of Grievance Committees, which investigate complaints of attorney misconduct and determine appropriate actions.

He then detailed the disciplinary process, explaining that complaints often stem from failures to communicate with clients, neglect of cases, or violations related to escrow accounts. He warned of the consequences of ethical breaches, which can range from admonitions to disbarment.

Ray Ferrier (left) and Stephen Chiaino. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

Using case examples, including the Matter of Rudolph Giuliani and the Matter of Galasso, Longo discussed recurring ethical violations. He focused on issues like neglecting client communication, failing to supervise staff, and mishandling client funds. He also addressed newer challenges for the legal field, such as the use of artificial intelligence and proposals to allow non-lawyers as law firm partners.

Longo’s lecture provided practical guidance for navigating the disciplinary process. He also warned attorneys that due to the growing complexity of legal practice, they must remain vigilant in their professional responsibilities.

From left: Joseph Rosato, the immediate past president of the Brooklyn Bar Association; John Dalli, president of the Columbian Lawyers Association of Brooklyn; and Marisa Arrabito. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

The Bay Ridge Lawyers Association will follow up the November meeting with a family-friendly event, “Breakfast with Santa,” on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sirico’s on 13th Avenue in Bensonhurst.

The event will feature brunch, an Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest for adults and children, arts and crafts, Build-A-Bear, face painting, balloon animals, a piñata, a photo booth and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy for donation to the children of Fort Hamilton military personnel, with a reminder to avoid weapons-related toys.