Opinion
D-117-20
04-01-2022
Ill the Matter of Jay J. Friedrich, An Attorney At Law (Attorney No. 268461971)
ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 20-234, concluding that Jay J. Friedrich of Ridgewood, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1971, should be suspended from the practice of law for a period of three months for violating RPC 1.4(b) (failure to communicate with client), RPC 1.5(b) (failure to set forth in writing the basis or rate of the fee), RPC 1.15(a) (negligent misappropriation of client funds), RPC 1.15(d) (record keeping violations), RPC 8.1(b) (failure to cooperate with disciplinary authorities), and RPC 8.4(c) (conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation);
And the Court having ordered Jay J. Friedrich to show cause why he should not be disbarred or otherwise disciplined;
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that Jay J. Friedrich be suspended from practice for a period of three months, effective May 2, 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 1
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 28th day of March, 2022. 2