Opinion
D-55 September Term 2019 083755
03-26-2020
In the MATTER OF Susan A. LOWDEN, An Attorney At Law (Attorney No. 001571991)
ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 19-137, concluding on the record certified to the Board pursuant to Rule 1:20-4(f)(default by respondent), that Susan A. Lowden, formerly of Haddonfield, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1991, and who has been temporarily suspended from practice since April 12, 2019, should be disciplined for violating RPC 1.1(a) (gross neglect), RPC 1.3 (lack of diligence), RPC 1.4(b) (failure to keep client reasonably informed about the status of a matter and to promptly reply to reasonable requests for information), RPC 1.4(c) (failure to explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit the client to make informed decisions about the representation), RPC 1.5(b) (failure to set forth in writing the rate or basis of the fee), RPC 8.1(b) (failure to cooperate with disciplinary authorities), and RPC 8.4(c) (conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation); And the Court having determined that a six-month suspension from practice is the appropriate quantum of discipline for respondent's unethical conduct;
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that Susan A. Lowden is suspended from the practice of law for a period of six months, effective immediately, and until the further Order of the Court, and it is further
ORDERED that respondent shall remain suspended from the practice of law pursuant to the Orders of this Court filed March 13, 2019, and October 25, 2019, and pending her compliance with the determinations of the District IV Fee Arbitration determinations in District Docket Nos. IV-2018-0022F, IV-2019-0042F, and payment of sanctions to the Disciplinary Oversight Committee, and until the 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 l: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.