Opinion
March 3, 2011.
ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 10-207, recommending on the record certified to the Board pursuant to Rule 1:20-4(f) (default by respondent), that THOMAS A. GIAMANCO, formerly of RIDGEWOOD, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1983, and who has been suspended from the practice of law since November 21, 2006, pursuant to Orders of this Court filed November 21, 2006, May 6, 2008, May 9, 2008 and January 27, 2009, be disbarred for violating RPC 1.1(a) (gross neglect), RPC 1.3 (lack of diligence), RPC 1.4(b) (failure to communicate) and RPC 8.1(b) (failure to cooperate with disciplinary authorities);
And THOMAS A. GIAMANCO having been ordered to show cause why he should not be disbarred or otherwise disciplined;
And the Court having determined that a three-year suspension from the practice of law is the appropriate quantum of discipline for respondent's unethical conduct and that the term of suspension should be retroactive to the date of the most recent Order of suspension;
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that THOMAS A. GIAMANCO is suspended from the practice of law for a period of three years, retroactive to January 27, 2009, and until the further Order of the Court; and it is further
ORDERED that respondent be evaluated by the New Jersey Lawyers' Assistance Program and, prior to reinstatement to practice, submit proof of his fitness to practice law as attested to by a mental health professional approved by the Office of Attorney Ethics; and it is further
ORDERED that on reinstatement to practice, respondent shall not practice law as a sole practitioner and shall practice under the supervision of a practicing attorney approved by the Office of Attorney Ethics until further Order of the Court; and it is further
ORDERED that respondent 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 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 Over-sight Committee for appropriate administrative costs and actual expenses incurred in the prosecution of this matter, as provided in Rule 1:20-17.