Aaron Schlossberg, center, at a May 2017 rally. Image by Twitter Screenshot

Despite a massive backlash from his viral racist rant, Aaron Schlossberg likely won’t be disbarred for the outburst.

Lawyers facing complaints for incidents like the one involving Schlossberg, who went off on people speaking Spanish in a deli, generally result in reprimands, experts said.

“Mr. Schlossberg could be disciplined for this conduct but it will not lead to disbarment,” said Stephen Gillers, a professor of legal ethics at New York University.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

“Factors a disciplinary committee will consider in deciding what if any discipline is warranted include extenuating circumstances and whether Mr. Schlossberg has prior discipline. If he does not, I think the most serious discipline he could face would be a private admonition if he has a clean record. That means the discipline will not become public,” he said.

Social media lit up with calls for Schlossberg to be disbarred after the video of his outburst went viral Wednesday. Many Twitter users posted information for the New York State Bar Association and urged followers to file complaints.

Adriano Espaillat, who represents New York’s 13th Congressional District, tweeted that he will file a formal complaint against Schlossberg.

The bar association did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Real Justice PAC co-founder Shaun King wrote on Twitter that 13 people have reported being harassed by Schlossberg since 2015.

Contact Alyssa Fisher at fisher@forward.com or on Twitter, @alyssalfisher

A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount