Manhattan attorney Diane Blank was disbarred on Tuesday by an Appellate Division, First Department, panel for neglecting two client matters and failing to satisfy judgments obtained against her by clients.
One client retained Blank to represent her in a divorce. The client complained that Blank took no action in the case and did not respond to calls, while holding onto a $3,000 retainer. Blank responded to that complaint, saying she had neglected the case because of numerous health problems, including malignant melanoma, multiple surgeries and depression. However, she did not finish the case, and the client renewed her complaint in 2010. The client ultimately obtained a $5,000 judgment against Blank in small claims court.
