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In re Meany

Supreme Court of New Jersey
Jan 3, 1955
111 A.2d 49 (N.J. 1955)

Opinion

Argued January 3, 1955 —

Decided January 3, 1955.

For the order Mr. Raymond G. Betsch appeared.

For the respondent Mr. Edward D. Meany appeared pro se.


The respondent was presented by the Bergen County Ethics and Grievance Committee on a charge of unprofessional conduct warranting discipline.

It appears that in the month of December 1951 Anthony J. Melfi and Joseph Melfi purchased real estate in the County of Bergen and at the closing $500 was delivered to the respondent Edward D. Meany in escrow to meet possible claims of the contractors and materialmen. Despite repeated demands by the Melfis the respondent retained the $500 and admittedly commingled it with his own funds in his general banking account, the balance of which frequently fell below $500.

On one occasion in the summer of 1952 the Melfis called at the home of the respondent with respect to the matter, were told that he was not at home and were given by his daughter the following note in the handwriting of the respondent:

"Tony and Joe. Sorry about the money situation but as a result of my own difficulties I have run way short.

To be blunt if you wish to give me time three to six months I will be able to straighten out — if not I guess your only recourse will be to go to the prosecutor's office and file a complaint against me.

Again sorry Ed Meany."

It clearly appears that the respondent has been guilty of misconduct requiring his disbarment. The order is that his name be stricken from the roll of attorneys.

For disbarment — Chief Justice VANDERBILT, and Justices OLIPHANT, WACHENFELD, BURLING, JACOBS and BRENNAN — 6.

For suspension for one year — Justice HEHER — 1.


Summaries of

In re Meany

Supreme Court of New Jersey
Jan 3, 1955
111 A.2d 49 (N.J. 1955)
Case details for

In re Meany

Case Details

Full title:IN THE MATTER OF EDWARD D. MEANY, AN ATTORNEY-AT-LAW

Court:Supreme Court of New Jersey

Date published: Jan 3, 1955

Citations

111 A.2d 49 (N.J. 1955)
111 A.2d 49

Citing Cases

Matter of Meany

Name of respondent stricken from the roll of attorneys at law. Opinion reported at 17 N.J. 213.…