In re Silberman

OPINION OF THE COURT

Respondent was admitted to the practice of law in the State of New York by the Second Judicial Department on September 24, 1986 under the name Joel Alan Silberman. At all times relevant to these proceedings he maintained his principal place of business within this Judicial Department.

In 1999, while still practicing law, respondent bought a building with a restaurant which he named Chameleon. In late 2000, respondent started to cook at the restaurant at night while practicing law during the day. In early 2003, Victor Maldonato began coming to Chameleon’s bar and offered…