In re Pitula

OPINION OF THE COURT

Respondent, John L. Pitula, was admitted to the practice of *87law in the State of New York by the First Judicial Department on February 7, 1983, as John Louis Pitula.

On or about August 29, 1988, respondent was retained by Susan Lopez, a New Jersey resident, to represent her in connection with a criminal investigation being conducted by the Immigration and Naturalization Service. On or about September 1, 1988, Lopez delivered $200,000 to respondent’s New Jersey cocounsels as a fee retainer. Respondent received $90,000 as his portion of the retainer. The same day, respondent…