Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP

Review of Nicola P. Aldridge-Henry, Esq., Member of the Ninth Judicial District Grievance Committee My review of Nicola P. Aldridge-Henry, Esq. is based upon her actions and participation as a member of the Ninth Judicial District Grievance Committee in the handling and dismissal of my grievance. Ms. Aldridge-Henry had the facts, evidence, and documentation concerning my complaint before her. I provided evidence supporting my allegations that my attorney violated the New York Rules of Professional Conduct, including Rule 1.6. I also provided supporting correspondence and documentation concerning the conduct that caused me substantial harm. Despite having this information, Ms. Aldridge-Henry participated in the dismissal of my grievance rather than holding the attorney accountable for the professional-conduct violations I had documented. In my view, her actions allowed an attorney whom I allege committed proven professional misconduct to avoid disciplinary consequences, while I, as the victim of that conduct, was left without the justice and protection I sought from the disciplinary system. This is not a criticism based simply on the fact that I disagreed with her decision. My concern is that the evidence concerning the alleged violations was before her, yet she participated in a decision that resulted in those violations not being properly addressed. A grievance committee member has a responsibility to take professional misconduct seriously and to protect the public from conduct that violates the Rules of Professional Conduct. Her participation in the dismissal therefore has consequences beyond my individual case. When a disciplinary body dismisses a complaint despite evidence presented by a client concerning attorney misconduct, the client can be left without a meaningful remedy and other members of the public may remain exposed to similar conduct. I am particularly troubled that Ms. Aldridge-Henry has continued to serve on the Grievance Committee despite the serious allegations being raised concerning the Committee's handling of complaints, including allegations that members failed to properly enforce the Rules of Professional Conduct. In my view, continued service without addressing these concerns undermines public confidence in the disciplinary process. Based upon my experience, I would not recommend Ms. Aldridge-Henry to anyone seeking an attorney or relying upon her judgment concerning professional responsibility. My experience has caused me to question whether she will adequately protect the interests of clients and the public when confronted with allegations of attorney misconduct. The issue for me is accountability. Attorneys are required to follow the Rules of Professional Conduct, and the disciplinary system exists in part to ensure that those rules have meaning. When Committee members participate in dismissing complaints despite evidence of alleged violations, the victims are the clients who sought protection and the public that depends upon the legal profession being held accountable. My review is based upon Ms. Aldridge-Henry's actions in my case and the evidence that was presented to the Committee. I believe the public has a right to know about my experience before deciding whether to place its trust in her judgment or professional services.

I must say that the sofa in the waiting room is terribly uncomfortable to sit in.

Good law office. Handled a closing well.