Opinion
D-174-2020
03-22-2022
In the Matter of Gareth David DeSantiago-Keene, An Attorney At Law (Attorney No. 200011980)
ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 21-026, concluding that Gareth David DeSantiago-Keene of New Milford, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1980, should be suspended from the practice of law for a period of three months for violating RPC 1.15 (d) (failure to comply with the recordkeeping requirements of Rule 1:21-6), RPC 5.5 (a) (2) (assisting another in the unauthorized practice of law), and RPC 8.4 (d) (engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice);
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that Gareth David DeSantiago-Keeneis suspended from the practice of law for a period of three months, effective April 25, 2022, and until the further Order of the Court; 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 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 22nd day of March, 2022.