Opinion
D-167-2019
01-21-2022
In the Matter of Donald Roscoe Brown, An Attorney At Law (Attorney No. 015621984)
ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 19-405, concluding on the record certified to the Board pursuant to Rule l:20-4(f)(default by respondent), that Donald Roscoe Brown of Trenton, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1984, should be reprimanded for violating RPC 1.15(d)(recordkeeping violations), and RPC 8.1(b)(failure to cooperate with disciplinary authorities);
And Donald Roscoe Brown having failed to appear on the Order directing him to show cause why he should not be disbarred or otherwise disciplined;
And the Court having determined from its review of the matter that the appropriate quantum of discipline for respondent's unethical conduct is a one-month suspension from practice, and the condition that respondent cooperate with the Office of Attorney Ethics in its audit of his attorney books and records prior to being reinstated to practice;
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that Donald Roscoe Brown is hereby suspended from the practice of law for a period of one month, effective February 18, 2022, and until the further Order of the Court; and it is further 1
ORDERED that Donald Roscoe Brown cooperate with the Office of Attorney Ethics in its audit of his attorney books and records prior to being reinstated to practice; 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 l: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 18th day of January, 2022. 2