Summary
during a three-month suspension, the attorney maintained a law office, met clients and represented them in court; extensive mitigation considered
Summary of this case from In re DuOpinion
June 22, 2006
ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 06-003, concluding that E. EDWARD BOWMAN, a/k/a ELMER E. BOWMAN, of BRIDGETON, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1984, and who thereafter was suspended from the practice of law for a period of three months effective May 18, 2004, by Order of the Court filed April 23, 2004, and who remains suspended at this time, should be suspended from the practice of law for a period of one year for practicing law while suspended and for failing to file the affidavit of compliance required by Rule 1:20-20(b)(15), conduct in violation of RPC 3.4(c) (knowingly disobeying an obligation under the rules of a tribunal), RPC 5.5(a) (unauthorized practice of law), and RPC 8.4(d) (conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice), and good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that E. EDWARD BOWMAN, a/k/a ELMER E. BOWMAN, is suspended from the practice of law for a period of one year and until the further Order of the Court, effective immediately; and it is further
ORDERED that E. EDWARD BOWMAN, a/k/a ELMER E. BOWMAN, continue to be restrained and enjoined from practicing law during the period of his suspension and that he continue to 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(c); and (3) provide a basis for an action for contempt pursuant to Rule 1:10-2; and it is further
ORDERED that prior to reinstatement to practice, respondent shall demonstrate that he is fit to practice law as attested to by a mental health physician approved by the Office of Attorney Ethics; 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.