Opinion
088758
02-07-2024
IN THE MATTER OF SEAN LAWRENCE BRANIGAN AN ATTORNEY AT LAW (ATTORNEY NO. 000492005)
ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 23-109, recommending that Sean Lawrence Branigan of West Orange, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 2005, should be suspended from the practice of law for a period of three months for violating RPC 5.3(a) (failing to supervise nonlawyer staff) (three instances), RPC 7.1(a) (engaging in false or misleading communications about the lawyer, the lawyer’s services, or any matter in which the lawyer has or seeks a professional relationship) (seven instances), RPC 7.1(b) (using an advertisement or other related communication known to have been disapproved by the Committee on Attorney Advertising) (three instances), RPC 7.3(b) (engaging in improper, unsolicited, direct contact with a prospective client) (eight instances), RPC 7.4(a) (misrepresenting that the lawyer has been recognized or certified as a specialist in a particular field of law), and RPC 7.5(e) (using an impermissible firm name or letterhead) (two instances);
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that Sean Lawrence Branigan is suspended from the practice of law for a period of three months and until further order of the Court, effective March 8, 2024; 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.