Opinion
088503
03-14-2024
IN THE MATTER OF NICKOLAS C. MOURTOS, AN ATTORNEY AT LAW (ATTORNEY NO. 008282009)
ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 23-053, recommending on the record certified to the Board pursuant to Rule 1:20-14(f) (default by respondent) that Nickolas C. Mourtos of Woodbury, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 2009, should be suspended for three months for having violated RPC 1.7(a)(2) (engaging in a conflict of interest), RPC 1.16(a)(1) (failing to withdraw from a representation when required to do so), and RPC 8.1(b) (failing to cooperate with disciplinary authorities);
And Nickolas C. Mourtos having failed to appear on the order directing respondent to show cause why respondent should not be disbarred or otherwise disciplined;
And the Court having determined that a one-year suspension from the practice of law is the appropriate quantum of discipline for respondent’s unethical conduct;
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that Nickolas C. Mourtos is suspended from the practice of law for a period of one year, and until further order of the Court, effective April 15, 2024; and it is further
ORDERED that prior to reinstatement respondent shall provide proof to the Office of Attorney Ethics of respondent’s fitness to practice law, as attested to by a medical doctor approved by the Office of Attorney Ethics; 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.