Summary
In Avery, the Court imposed a three-month suspension, in two default matters, on an attorney with no disciplinary history who grossly neglected four matters; lacked diligence; failed to communicate with clients; and failed to cooperate with disciplinary authorities.
Summary of this case from In re PappasOpinion
March 19, 2008.
ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 07-075 and DRB 07-131, concluding on the record certified to the Board pursuant to Rule 1:20-4(f) (default by respondent), that DIANE S. AVERY, formerly of RIDGEFIELD, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1981, and who has been temporarily suspended from the practice of law since August 25, 2003, should be suspended from the practice of law for a period of three months for violating RPC 1.1(a) (gross neglect), RPC 1.3 (lack of diligence), RPC 1.4(b) (failure to communicate with client), RPC 3.4(c) (knowingly disobeying an obligation under the rules of a tribunal), RPC 8.1(b) (failure to cooperate with disciplinary authorities), and RPC 8.4(d) (engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice);
And the Disciplinary Review Board further having determined that DIANE S. AVERY should be required to demonstrate that she is fit to practice law prior to her reinstatement to practice;
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that DIANE S. AVERY is suspended from the practice of law for a period of three months and until the further Order of the Court, effective immediately; and it is further
Ordered that prior to reinstatement to practice, respondent shall demonstrate that she is fit to practice as attested to by a mental health professional approved by the Office of Attorney Ethics; and it is further
ORDERED that respondent comply with Rule 1:20-20 dealing with suspended attorneys; and it is further
ORDERED that pursuant to Rule 1:20-20(c), respondent's failure to comply with the Affidavit of Compliance requirement of Rule 1:20-20(b)(15) may (1) preclude the Disciplinary Review Board from considering respondent's petition for reinstatement for a period of up to six months from the date respondent files proof of compliance; (2) be found to constitute a violation of RFC 8.1(b) and RPC 8.4(c); and (3) provide a basis for an action for contempt pursuant to Rule 1:10-2; and it is further
ORDERED that the entire record of this matter be made a permanent part of respondent's file as an attorney at law of this State; and it is further
ORDERED that respondent reimburse the Disciplinary Over-sight Committee for appropriate administrative costs and actual expenses incurred in the prosecution of this matter, as provided in Rule 1:20-17.