Opinion
D-172 083359
06-15-2021
In the Matter of Christopher Roy Higgins, An Attorney At Law (Attorney No. 041532012)
ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 19-040, concluding on the record certified to the Board pursuant to Rule 1:20-14(f)(default by respondent) that Christopher Roy Higgins, formerly of Parlin, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 2012, should be suspended from the practice of law for a period of three months for violating RPC 1.3 (lack of diligence), RPC 8.1 (b) (failure to cooperate with ethics authorities), RPC 8.4(c)(conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation), and RPC 8.4(d)(conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice);
And respondent having been ordered to show cause why he should not be disbarred or otherwise disciplined;
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that Christopher Roy Higgins is suspended from the practice of law for a period of three months and until the further Order of the Court, effective July 15, 2021; and it is further
ORDERED that prior to reinstatement to practice, respondent shall provide proof of his fitness to practice law, 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 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.
WITNESS, the Honorable Stuart Rabner, Chief Justice, at Trenton, this 15th day of June, 2021.
/s/
CLERK OF THE SUPREME COURT