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286 A.D.2d 56

In re Schell

Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York · decided 2001-09-28

Decided 2001-09-28

¶1OPINION OF THE COURT

Per Curiam.

¶2Respondent was admitted to the practice of law by this Court on February 14, 1994, and maintained an office for the practice *57of law in Fairport. The Grievance Committee filed a petition charging respondent with acts of professional misconduct arising from his misappropriation of law firm retainer funds. Respondent filed an answer admitting the allegations of the petition, and appeared before this Court to submit matters in mitigation.

¶3We conclude that respondent violated the following Disciplinary Rules of the Code of Professional Responsibility:

¶4DR 1-102 (a) (4) (22 NYCRR 1200.3 [a] [4]) — engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation; and

¶5DR 1-102 (a) (7) (22 NYCRR 1200.3 [a] [7]) — engaging in conduct that adversely reflects on his fitness as a lawyer.

¶6We note in mitigation that the misconduct occurred at a time when respondent was suffering from depression and the side effects of medication that was prescribed for his depression. Additionally, we note that respondent admitted the misconduct, made restitution and cooperated with the Grievance Committee’s investigation. Finally, we have considered respondent’s previously unblemished record and commitment to providing pro bono legal service. Accordingly, we conclude that respondent should be censured.

¶7Green, J. P., Pine, Hayes, Scudder and Burns, JJ., concur.

¶8Order of censure entered.

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