Opinion ID: 1972014
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: The Josephson Matter

Text: Respondent presided in two proceedings at a hearing in which Milton Josephson, Esq. was counsel. In In re Estate of Kendall, Mr. Josephson represented one of the heirs of the estate. He made a motion to be relieved as counsel. Respondent evidently understood the motion to be for relief as counsel and an assessment of fees against a successor attorney. At the close of the hearing respondent directed critical remarks at Josephson in a particularly offensive and harsh manner. [2] Following these remarks respondent granted Josephson's application to be relieved as counsel, but added with pleasure, indicating that he was personally happy to have Mr. Josephson out of the case. In the other proceeding, Rue v. Jones, respondent presided at a hearing on a motion brought by Mr. Josephson on behalf of the defendant to vacate a default that had been entered against his client. Although the motion was originally submitted under Rule 1:6-2, respondent ordered oral argument because it appeared that discrepancies existed between Mr. Josephson's affidavit and the affidavit previously submitted by opposing counsel, Leonard J. Coates. During the course of the hearing, Mr. Josephson represented to respondent that his client was in a hospital and therefore did not have knowledge of the attempted service by publication. The hospital was contacted at the request of respondent and it was indicated that there was no record of the client's admission during the entire year in question. At the conclusion of the hearing, respondent sanctioned Josephson, found him in contempt, and summarily fined him $200. Based upon an independent review of the record we determine that respondent's conduct was not respectful or courteous; it betrayed personal feelings of hostility inconsistent with the objectivity, impartiality, and dignity required of a judge. We conclude, based upon these findings, that respondent's actions in these matters violated Canons 1 and 2.