An attorney’s license is a privilege that comes with a fundamental duty to uphold the law, not to break it. The disciplinary case of Mendel Zilberberg is a powerful, multi-state example of what happens when a federal felony conviction shatters that trust. His case demonstrates the swift and severe consequences for lawyers who use their position to commit serious financial crimes.
The Crime: A Bank Fraud Scheme
Mendel Zilberberg’s downfall began with his involvement in a sophisticated bank fraud scheme. While serving as a director of Park Avenue Bank in 2009, he used his privileged position to facilitate a fraudulent $1.4 million loan.
- The Deception: Zilberberg and his co-conspirators used a “straw borrower” to apply for the loan. They submitted false information, hiding the true purpose of the loan and the borrower’s criminal background.
- Abuse of Power: Zilberberg used his influence as a bank director to fast-track the loan’s approval and shield it from scrutiny.
- The Payoff: Once the fraudulent loan was approved, Zilberberg personally received over $500,000 from the proceeds. The loan ultimately defaulted, causing over $1 million in losses to the bank.
In July 2023, a federal jury in the Southern District of New York found him guilty of multiple felony counts, including conspiracy to commit bank fraud and making false statements to a bank.
The Consequences: Disbarment in Multiple States
A felony conviction is a professional death sentence for an attorney. Zilberberg’s conviction triggered immediate disciplinary action in both New York and Florida, the two states where he was licensed.
New York Disbarment
Under New York’s Judiciary Law, an attorney is automatically disbarred upon conviction of a felony. The New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, disbarred Zilberberg on December 18, 2024, with his disbarment effective as of the date of his conviction. The court found that his federal felonies were “essentially similar” to New York state felonies, making the automatic disbarment legally required.
Florida Suspension and Pending Disbarment
The Florida Bar also took action, filing a notice of his felony conviction with the Florida Supreme Court. In May 2025, the court suspended Zilberberg from practicing law. This was an interim suspension, and the case has been referred to a referee for a final recommendation on disbarment, which is the expected outcome. The suspension ensures Zilberberg can no longer practice law in Florida while the final disciplinary process is underway.
This case serves as a powerful reminder that an attorney’s license is not a shield against accountability. A criminal conviction, especially one involving moral turpitude and financial fraud, will inevitably lead to the loss of one’s ability to practice law, regardless of the jurisdiction. The legal system, through its disciplinary arm, is designed to ensure that those who are entrusted with upholding the law are held to the highest standard, and that those who fail are removed from the profession.