Lawyer From Islip Found Guilty Of Stealing Over $187K From Client

NASSAU COUNTY, NY - An attorney from Islip was found guilty of stealing over $187,000 in personal injury settlement funds from her client for her own personal use, according to Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas.

Jericho-based attorney Nancy Enoksen, 49, was convicted on Monday by a jury of second degree grand larceny, the DA said.

The trial, before Judge Howard Sturim, last for seven days and the jury deliberated for an hour and a half.

Bail was set at $187,000, the same amount as Enoksen stole. She is due back in court February 26 for sentencing and faces up to five to 15 years in prison.

In 2018, a Bellmore woman hired Enoksen to represent her in several personal matters, Singas said.

While Enoksen was working for the woman, she settled a personal injury lawsuit for over $400,000 while being represented by another attorney.

Enoksen advised the woman to place the funds into an escrow account which she maintained for her client, the DA said.

Between 2013 and 2014, Enoksen withdrew more than $187,000 from the escrow account, without the permission or knowledge of her client, the DA said.

She used the money to continue her law practice as well as for other personal expenses like trips to Canada, a monthly BMW car payment and for shopping at Lord & Taylor and Macy’s, according to Singas.

Since 2012, the NCDA has prosecuted more than 20 attorneys for misconduct.

“Attorneys have a responsibility to act in the best interest of their clients, but this greedy lawyer betrayed her professional obligations and stole more than $187,000 for personal expenses,” Singas said. “We have prosecuted many unscrupulous attorneys for stealing from their clients, and this case should send a strong message to any shady lawyer that it’s simply not worth it.”

Photo: NCDA