A legal drama unfolds in Long Island, revealing a potential conflict of interest that could shake the foundations of justice. But did a personal relationship influence a high-stakes inheritance case?
Zachary Zayas, a former law clerk, is at the center of this controversy. His connection to Uniondale attorney Cheryl Katz raised eyebrows during a heated inheritance dispute between siblings Shannon Hynes and Sean Hynes. The twist? Zayas was working for Queens Surrogate's Court Judge Peter Kelly, who presided over the case.
Here's the timeline of events:
- The Allegations: Newsday reported that Judge Kelly failed to disclose that Zayas, his principal law clerk, was living with Katz while she represented Sean Hynes in the inheritance case. This potential conflict of interest was kept under wraps for months.
- The Connection: Zayas, the son of a prominent state court judge, Joseph Zayas, had a close relationship with Katz. This relationship was not revealed to Shannon Hynes or her attorneys until they discovered it through their own investigation.
- The Fallout: Zayas has now left his position with Judge Kelly and joined the prestigious Nassau law firm Ruskin Moscou Faltischek P.C. as an associate in their trusts and estates department. This move came shortly after the Newsday report.
But here's where it gets controversial: Judge Kelly's rulings favored Sean Hynes, granting him sole executor status and allowing him to pay his attorneys, including Katz, from the estate. Records show significant payments to Katz's firms. And this is the part most people miss—Zayas was present for many court proceedings, potentially influencing the case's outcome.
In a surprising turn, Kelly recused himself from the case in May 2024, claiming Zayas had no decision-making power. However, Shannon Hynes remains skeptical, filing a complaint with the state Commission on Judicial Conduct. The case has since moved to Staten Island, where she seeks to remove her brother as executor and scrutinize Katz's fees.
As the case enters the discovery phase, questions linger. Was Zayas' relationship with Katz a mere coincidence, or did it sway the scales of justice? The public awaits answers, and the legal community is watching closely. And what do you think? Is this a case of innocent proximity or a breach of ethical boundaries?
