Attorney Robert Hershman of Rome, NY; ethical troll

The state of New York presented Robert S. Hershman with a law license in 1977 after he graduated from the Albany School of Law.

The Appellate Division, Third Department Grievance Committee found Bobby guilty of engaging in the following misconduct.

• Failed to comply with attorney registration requirements
• Engaged in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice
• Misappropriated funds belonging to another person
• Commingled client funds with personal funds
• Engaged in conduct that adversely reflects on his fitness as a lawyer
• Withdrew trust account funds in a manner other than by check or authorized bank transfer payable to a named payee
• Represented a client in a matter where a reasonable lawyer would conclude that there is a significant risk that the lawyer’s professional judgment on behalf of a client will be adversely affected by the lawyer’s own financial, business, property or other personal interests
• Entered into a business transaction with a client where they have differing interests and the client expects the lawyer to exercise professional judgment on behalf of the client, without obtaining from the client informed consent, confirmed in writing, regarding the essential terms of the transaction and the lawyer’s role therein, including whether the lawyer is representing the client in the transaction

As a direct consequence of his misconduct, the enablers for Attorney Misfits sitting on the Grievance Committee punished Bobby by gifting him with a complimentary censure. 

As we speak (ca. February 2024), Bobby practices his so-called brand of law in Rome, New York.