A former rising star in the intellectual property practice of WilmerHale has resigned from the bar after admitting to a litany of misconduct, including falsifying expense reports, forging client signatures and assigning associates to perform "pro bono" work for friends and family.
William P. DiSalvatore, who resigned his position as a partner in WilmerHale's New York office in January, offered to resign from the bar in May as he was facing a disciplinary investigation that would have likely led to his disbarment.
"[I]f charges were predicated on the misconduct under investigation, I could not successfully defend myself on the merits against such charges," DiSalvatore, 40, said in the affidavit accompanying his bar resignation.
The Appellate Division, First Department, approved the resignation Thursday in Matter of William P. DiSalvatore, M-3023, ordering the ex-partner's name stricken from the roll of attorneys.
In his affidavit, DiSalvatore admitted to misconduct of unusual breadth.