Opinion
D-148 September Term 2019 084587
01-14-2021
In the MATTER OF Benjamin MORTON, An Attorney At Law (Attorney No. 050681998)
ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 19-353, concluding that Benjamin Morton of Newark, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1998, should be suspended from the practice of law for a period of three months for violating RPC 1.5(a) (unreasonable fee), RPC 1.16(a)(1) (prohibited representation), RPC 5.5(a) (unauthorized practice of law), and RPC 7.1(a)(l) (false or misleading communications to a client); And the Disciplinary Review Board having further determined that respondent should return the sum of $5,795 to T.M. within sixty days;
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that Benjamin Morton is suspended from the practice of law for a period of three months, effective February 10, 2021, and until the further Order of the Court; and it is further
ORDERED that Benjamin Morton shall refund the sum of $5,795 to client T.M. within sixty days after the filing date of this Order; 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 l: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.