Matter of Gonzalez

OPINION OF THE COURT

Respondent Ismael Gonzalez was admitted to the practice of law in the State of New York by the First Judicial Department on April 23, 1990. At all times relevant to this proceeding, he has maintained an office for the practice of law within the First Department.

In 2012, the Departmental Disciplinary Committee, brought charges against respondent involving, among other things, his alleged abusive behavior toward a client who had discharged him. After evidentiary hearings before a Referee, the issuance of the Referee’s report and recommendations, oral arguments before a…