Opinion
087406
09-05-2024
IN THE MATTER OF STEVEN R. LEHR, AN ATTORNEY AT LAW (ATTORNEY NO. 024771988)
ORDER
This matter having been duly presented pursuant to Rule 1:20-10(b), following a granting of a motion for discipline by consent in DRB 22-019 of Steven R. Lehr of West Caldwell, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1988;
And the Office of Attorney Ethics and respondent having signed a stipulation of discipline by consent in which the parties agreed that respondent violated RPC 1.4(b) (failing to keep a client reasonably informed about the status of a matter and promptly comply with reasonable requests for information), RPC 1.4(c) (failing to explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit the client to make informed decisions regarding the representation), RPC 1.5(a) (engaging in fee overreaching), and RPC 8.4(d) (engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice), and that respondent’s conduct warrants a censure or such lesser discipline as the Board deems appropriate;
And the Disciplinary Review Board having determined that respondent violated RPC 1.4(b) (nine instances), RPC 1.4(c) (generally, in all client matters in which he committed fee overreaching, and specifically, in connection with the Paylor-Koffi matter), RPC 1.5(a) (sixteen instances), and RPC 8.4(d) (two instances), and that a censure is the appropriate discipline for respondent’s unethical conduct;
And the Disciplinary Review Board having granted the motion for discipline by consent in District Docket No. XIV-2017-0366E, and having submitted the record of the proceedings to the Clerk of the Supreme Court for the entry of an order of discipline in accordance with Rule 1:20-16(e);
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that Steven R. Lehr is hereby censured; 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.