An attorney who continued to practice law after being suspended has been disbarred. Howard L. Blau, who had an office in Manhattan, was suspended in February 2008 based on “substantial admissions” that he misappropriated client funds. However, he failed to notify clients of the suspension, continued to maintain a Web site identifying himself as a lawyer and represented a seller in a real estate deal.
After the First Department Disciplinary Committee moved to disbar Mr. Blau, he asked the court to allow him to “resign gracefully.” Claiming he was on a number of psychiatric medications, Mr. Blau argued he was “emotionally unable to participate in any hearings or referrals to referees” and “cannot handle the stress which would be generated by such proceedings.” However, he would not admit the charges against him and said he was unwilling to “prostrate myself in order to resign from the Bar.” The Appellate Division, First Department, refused Mr. Blau’s bid to resign, concluding that he had “openly and notoriously engaged in the unauthorized practice of law.” Matter of Blau, M-2914, appears on page 11 of the print edition of today’s Law Journal. - Noeleen G. Walder
Immigration Lawyer Convicted of Fraud Sentenced to 4 Years
