Opinion
D-158 September Term 2020 086103
02-09-2022
In the MATTER OF Asher B. CHANCEY, An Attorney At Law (Attorney No. 004232007)
ORDER The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 20-324, concluding that as a matter of reciprocal discipline pursuant to Rule 1:20-14(a)(4), Asher B. Chancey of Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1994, should be suspended from the practice of law for a period of three years based on discipline imposed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for unethical conduct that in New Jersey is in violation of RPC 1.1(a) (gross neglect), RPC 1.1(b) (pattern of neglect), RPC 1.2(a) (failure to consult with the client as to the means by which the objectives of the representation are to be pursued), RPC 1.3 (lack of diligence), RPC 1.4(b) (failure to keep the client reasonably informed about the status of a matter), RPC 1.4(c) (failure to explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit the client to make informed decisions regarding the representation), RPC 4.1(a)(1) (lawyer shall not knowingly make a false statement of material fact or law to a third person), RPC 8.4(c) (conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation), and RPC 8.4(d) (conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice);
And the Disciplinary Review Board having further determined that respondent should be required to provide proof of his fitness to practice law prior to reinstatement to practice;
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that Asher B. Chancey is suspended from the practice of law for a period of three years, effective March 7, 2022, and until the further Order of the Court; and it is further
ORDERED that prior to reinstatement to the practice of law, respondent shall provide proof of his fitness to practice as attested to by a medical 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 RPC 8.1(b) and RPC 8.4(d) ; 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 Oversight Committee for appropriate administrative costs and actual expenses incurred in the prosecution of this matter, as provided in Rule 1:20-17.