Opinion
D-69-22
06-30-2023
In the Matter of Stephen Paul Hildebrand An Attorney at Law (Attorney No. 168062015)
ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 22-208, recommending that as a matter of reciprocal discipline, pursuant to Rule 1:20-14(a)(4), that Stephen Paul Hildebrand of Ardmore, Pennsylvania, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 2015, should be suspended from the practice of law for a period of six months based on discipline imposed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for unethical conduct that in New Jersey constitutes violations of RPC 1.1(a) (three instances) (gross neglect), RPC 1.3 (three instances) (lack of diligence), RPC 1.4(b) (three instances) (failure to keep a client reasonably informed about the status of a matter), RPC 1.5(b) (two instances) (failure to set forth in writing the basis or rate of the fee), RPC 1.16(d) (three instances) (upon termination of representation, failure to take steps to the extent reasonably practicable to protect a client's interests, including by refunding any unearned legal fee), RPC 3.2 (three instances) (failure to expedite litigation), RPC 8.1(b) (three instances) (failing to cooperate with disciplinary authorities), and RPC 8.4(d) (one instance) (conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice);
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that Stephen Paul Hildebrand is suspended from the practice of law for a period of six months, and until further Order of the Court, effective July 27, 2023; 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(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 27th day of June, 2023.