In re Picciano

This attorney discipline matter arises from a Report and Recommendation of the Disciplinary Review Board (DRB) that respondent be disbarred. Four members of the DRB concluded that respondent had knowingly misappropriated $17,000 in client trust funds following the settlement of a personal injury action. Three members dissented concerning that issue, finding that the attorney had the permission of his client. All members found that respondent had knowingly invaded escrow funds retained from the same settlement. The funds had been placed in escrow pending an agreement with the client’s…