In re Smith

OPINION OF THE COURT

Respondent Lawrence A. Smith was admitted to the practice *108of law in New York by the Second Judicial Department on March 20, 1963 as Lawrence Aron Smith. At all times relevant to this proceeding, respondent maintained an office for the practice of law within the First Judicial Department.

On or about June 22, 1999, respondent pleaded guilty to scheme to defraud in the first degree, a class E felony (Penal Law § 190.65 [1] [b]). He admitted that he and his law firm had bribed adjusters so as to expedite the settling of numerous personal injury cases and had “kicked back” a…