Opinion ID: 2163978
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Underlying New Jersey Discipline

Text: The disciplinary proceedings in New Jersey arose from Respondent's representation of one Walter Brown. As alleged in those proceedings, in 1981 Brown (then 88 years of age) became a widower, and his family hired Respondent to manage Brown's financial affairs. From 1981 to 1988, Respondent was alleged to have induced Brown to give him over $160,000, for what he falsely represented to be loans to Respondent, investments on Brown's behalf, and legal fees. Respondent was also alleged to have induced Brown to name Respondent as executor of his estate. A disciplinary petition was filed against Respondent, charging him with violations of Rules of Professional Responsibility 8.4(c) (conduct involving fraud, dishonesty or misrepresentation); 1.8(a) (entering into a business relationship with a client without adequate disclosure and which is unfair); 1.5(a) (charging an unreasonable fee); and 1.4(b) (failure to keep a client informed of matters). [1] Respondent answered the disciplinary complaint by denying the substantive allegations against him, but he later consented to disbarment. New Jersey's procedure for consensual disbarment is similar to ours, in that the lawyer is required to submit an affidavit acknowledging the truth of the charges against him. Respondent's New Jersey affidavit stated, inter alia, that he did not believe that he could successfully defend [himself] against some of those charges. (Emphasis added) The affidavit made no specific mention, however, of the fraud or misappropriation charges. Under New Jersey law, Respondent may not reapply for admission to practice law there.