Opinion
089678
09-24-2024
IN THE MATTER OF MARY ELIZABETH LENTI, AN ATTORNEY AT LAW (ATTORNEY NO. 029932011)
ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 24-014, recommending on the record certified to the Board pursuant to Rule 1:20-4(f) (default by respondent) that Mary Elizabeth Lenti, formerly of Mount Holly, who was admit- ted to the bar of this State in 2012, and who has been suspended from the practice of law since July 3, 2024, should be suspended for three months, consecutive to respondent’s current three-month suspension in In Re Lenti, 257 N.J. 491, 314 A.3d 806 (2024), for violating RPC 1.1(a) (engaging in gross neglect), RPC 1.3 (lacking diligence), RPC 1.4(b) (failing to communicate with a client), RPC 1.4(c) (failing to explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit the client to make informed decisions about the representation), and RPC 8.1(b) (failing to cooperate with disciplinary authorities) (two instances); and
The Disciplinary Review Board having reiterated its recommendation in In Re Lenti, 257 N.J. 491, 314 A.3d 806 (2024) that, upon reinstatement, respondent practice law under the supervision of a proctor for a period of no less than one year;
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that Mary Elizabeth Lenti is suspended from the practice of law for a period of three months, consecutive to respondent’s current three-month suspension, and until further order of the Court, effective October 4, 2024; and it is further
ORDERED that upon reinstatement respondent shall practice law under the supervision of a proctor for one year, as ordered in In re Lenti, 257 N.J. 491, 314 A.3d 806 (2024); 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.