Opinion ID: 1964594
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Respondent Houston's Conduct

Text: The Monmouth County Ethics Committee found that the respondent Houston failed to carry out his duties of employment by not reviewing O'Connells' purchase contract, by not obtaining title insurance and by neglecting to obtain continuation searches and a survey certified to them. We are of the opinion that either the proofs do not support these conclusions (respondent was not engaged until after the contract was signed) or involve deficiencies attributable to simple negligence. In re Gelzer, 31 N.J. 542, 543 (1960). We do agree and concur in the Committee's findings that he failed to communicate adequately with Mr. and Mrs. O'Connell and that such conduct tends to support and justify many of the current negative attitudes by the public at large towards the legal profession. Accordingly, he is hereby reprimanded. For suspension for six months of Loring and for reprimand of Houston  Chief Justice HUGHES, Justices MOUNTAIN, SULLIVAN, PASHMAN, CLIFFORD and SCHREIBER and Judge CONFORD  7. Opposed  None.