Opinion
D-60 September Term 2014, 075440
04-23-2015
In the Matter of Joseph J. LOWENSTEIN, an Attorney at Law (Attorney No. 013281985).
ORDER The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 14–223, concluding that JOSEPH J. LOWENSTEIN, formerly of PATERSON, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1985, should be suspended from the practice of law for a period of three months for violating RPC 1.1(a) (gross neglect), RPC 1.3 (lack of diligence), and RPC 1.4(b) (failure to keep a client reasonably informed about the status of the matter);
And the Disciplinary Review Board having further concluded that the term of suspension should be served consecutive to the three-month term of suspension ordered by the Court on October 18, 2012 (D–166–11), effective January 24, 2010, and that prior to reinstatement to practice, respondent should submit proof of his fitness to practice, law; and that after reinstatement, respondent should be supervised in his practice for a period of two years;
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that JOSEPH J. LOWENSTEIN is suspended from the practice of law for a period of three months and until the further Order of the Court, effective April 25, 2010; and it is further
ORDERED that prior to his reinstatement to the of practice law, respondent shall submit proof of his fitness to practice as attested to by a mental health professional approved by the Office of Attorney Ethics, and after reinstatement, 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 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 furtherORDERED 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.