Queens Civil Court Judge was ordered removed by the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct on August 7, 2026 after the oversight body concluded the judge had continued to practice law while serving on the bench. The commission’s findings also detailed that the judge allowed a paralegal with a felony conviction to manage his office, mishandled client funds, and repeatedly failed to file the financial disclosures required of sitting judges.
The state judicial oversight commission, which holds authority to investigate and discipline judges for breaches of professional conduct and ethics, issued a formal removal order following its investigation. The commission determined that the judge’s ongoing legal practice violated the clear prohibition against practicing law after assuming judicial duties. Additionally, the presence of a felon‑recorded paralegal in a supervisory role was deemed a serious breach of the court’s staffing standards.
The commission’s report highlighted multiple instances where client money was mishandled, raising concerns about the judge’s fiduciary responsibilities. The judge also ignored mandatory financial‑disclosure filing requirements on several occasions, undermining transparency expectations for the judiciary. These violations collectively prompted the commission to recommend removal, a step it is authorized to enforce under New York law.
The removal underscores the commission’s role in maintaining ethical standards within the state’s courts. By acting on the judge’s conduct, the oversight body reaffirmed its commitment to enforce the rules that govern judicial behavior, protect client assets, and ensure that individuals with disqualifying criminal histories do not hold positions of authority within the court system.