Steven H. Klein

I retained Steven H. Klein in a matter involving escrow/IOLA funds and to seek dismissal (with prejudice) of a case filed against me by attorneys Heather M. Abissi and Stephen M. Santoro. I provided him with documentary evidence and regulatory findings related to service, billing, and evidentiary iss...ues in that action. However, the requested dismissal motion was not filed. In Department of State v. Clemens W. Pantaleo (File No. 2019-0764), based on a complaint I submitted, the NYS Division of Licensing Services issued a Consent Order dated September 30, 2024. The Order reflects that Mr. Pantaleo surrendered his notary license with prejudice (recorded as a revocation). The Department’s written findings reference notarial irregularities connected to the Abissi/Santoro matter and note that the Division does not have authority to discipline attorneys. These records are publicly available through the NYS Department of State. Mr. Klein also held over $120,000 of my funds in escrow. Despite repeated written requests, I did not receive what I understood to be a complete escrow accounting consistent with 22 NYCRR 1200 Rule 1.15. Specifically, I did not receive: • Bank identification • Account statements • A contemporaneous ledger reflecting deposits and withdrawals • Cancelled checks • Reconciliation records • An accounting of interest over approximately three years. Additionally, although I was informed that a Notice of Pendency (lis pendens) had been filed pursuant to our retainer agreement, I later confirmed with the Orange County Clerk’s Office that no such filing appeared of record and ultimately prepared and filed it myself. During the representation, retainers were depleted quickly, additional funds were requested with no substantive work per the retainer agreement and motions to be relieved as counsel were filed if you refuse to pay more. Before retaining any attorney in matters involving escrow or significant retainers, I recommend reviewing public disciplinary histories and prior firm affiliations. Mr. Klein previously served as managing lead partner of: • Klein, Varble & Greco, P.C. • Klein & Varble, P.C. • Klein & Sanchez, P.C. Public appellate decisions include: • Matter of Kevin R. Greco (2016 NY Slip Op 01846) – resignation while under investigation; disbarment. • Matter of Michael R. Varble (2019 NY Slip Op 01422) – resignation while charges pending; disbarment; admitted failure to return unearned fees. • Matter of Cindy L. Sanchez (2024 NY Slip Op 06201) – six-month suspension. In Mid-Hudson Properties, Inc. v. Klein Varble & Greco, P.C., 167 A.D.3d 862 (2d Dept 2018) (Dutchess County Index No. 2015-50818), the Appellate Division affirmed the lower court’s determination regarding a commercial rent dispute involving Mr. Klein individually. These matters are publicly searchable on nycourts.gov and through the NYS Department of State. In addition to Klein Law, P.C., Mr. Klein serves as an elected Town of Poughkeepsie Justice (since 2023). Individuals seeking to file written complaints may contact: • New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct (for judicial conduct matters) in Albany, NY • Grievance Committee for the Ninth Judicial District (for attorney matters) White Plains, NY • Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department – Attorney Matters, Brooklyn, NY Based on my personal experience with escrow handling, motion practice decisions, and the information available in public records, I would have never retain Mr. Klein. Do your own research.