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Michael Cohen Disbarred, Testimony Unfolding

By William Vogeler, Esq. on February 26, 2019 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

As Michael Cohen testified to Senators behind closed doors, the New York Supreme Court disbarred him. His disbarment made headlines, but his fate was known last year when he pleaded guilty to lying to Congress. In New York, lawyers are automatically disbarred for committing such felonies.

The court's Grievance Committee made his disbarment retroactive to November. Cohen may seek reinstatement later, but that's not going to happen for a while.

Retroactive Disbarment

Cohen "ceased to be an attorney upon his federal conviction of making a false statement to the United States Congress," the court said. Cohen lied about the Trump Organization's tower project in Moscow during the 2016 presidential campaign.

He was sentenced to three years in prison, and is scheduled to begin serving time on May 6. He won't be a jail house lawyer, however.

In New York, a disbarred lawyer cannot seek reinstatement for seven years. Theoretically, Cohen could be pardoned sooner and then seek reinstatement.

But as he said before reporting to the Senate Intelligence Committee, he was going there to tell the truth. He started by apologizing to the lawmakers for lying.

'Extensive Grilling'

After the hearing, Sen. Susan Collins said she could not divulge any information discussed in committee. However, she said, it was an "extensive grilling."

Cohen is set to testify three days this week. He is expected to testify about his crimes and any involvement by the Trump Organization and President Trump.

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