Opinion
2013-09-18
In the Matter of Michael D. HALBFISH, an Attorney at Law (Attorney No. 011741997).
ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 12–123, DRB 12–373, and DRB 12–374, concluding that MICHAEL D. HALBFISH of PHILLIPSBURG, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1997, should be suspended from the practice of law for a period of six months for unethical conduct in five matters, including violations of RPC 1.1(a) (gross neglect), RPC 1.1(b) (pattern of neglect); RPC 1.3 (lack of diligence), and RPC 1.4(b) (failure to communicate with client);
And the Disciplinary Review Board having further concluded that on reinstatement to practice, respondent should be required to practice law under supervision for a period of two years;
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that MICHAEL D. HALBFISH is suspended from the practice of law for a period of six months, and until the further Order of the Court, effective October 18, 2013; and it is further
ORDERED that on reinstatement to practice, respondent shall practice law under the supervision of a practicing attorney approved by the Office of Attorney Ethics, for a period of two years, 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 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 Oversight Committee for appropriate administrative costs and actual expenses incurred in the prosecution of this matter, as provided in Rule 1:20–17.