Opinion
D-169 September Term 2017 081549
10-10-2018
In the MATTER OF Muhammad BASHIR, An Attorney At Law (Attorney No. 032321985)
ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court, its decision in DRB 18-035, recommending on the record certified to the Board pursuant to Rule 1:20-4(f)(default by respondent), that Muhammad Bashir, formerly of Elizabeth, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1987, and who has been temporarily suspended from the practice of law since July 27, 2015, be disbarred for violating RPC 1.1(a) (gross neglect); RPC 1.3 (lack of diligence); RPC 1.4(b) (failure to keep the client reasonably informed about the status of the matter and reply to reasonable requests for information); RPC 1.4(c) (failure to explain the matter to the extent reasonably necessary for the client to make informed decisions about the representation); RPC 1.5(b) (failure to set forth in writing the rate or basis of the legal fee); RPC 1.15(d) (recordkeeping) ; RPC 1.16(a)(1) (obligation not to represent a client when to do so would violate the RPC s); RPC 1.16(d) (failure to return unearned retainer); RPC 5.5(a) (practicing law while suspended); RPC 8.4(b) (committing a criminal act); RPC 8.4(c) (conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation);
And Muhammad Bashir having failed to appear on the order directing him to show cause why he should not be disbarred or otherwise discipline;
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that Muhammad Bashir be disbarred, effective immediately, and that his name be stricken from the roll of attorneys;ORDERED that Muhammad Bashir be and hereby is permanently restrained and enjoined from practicing law; and it is further
ORDERED that all funds, if any, currently existing or hereinafter deposited in any New Jersey financial institution maintained by Muhammad Bashir pursuant to Rule 1:21-6 be restrained from disbursement except on application to this Court, for good cause shown, and shall be transferred by the financial institution to the Clerk of the Superior Court, who is directed to deposit the funds in the Superior Court Trust Fund pending the further Order of this Court; and it is further
ORDERED that Muhammad Bashir comply with Rule 1:20-20 dealing with disbarred attorneys; 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.