Opinion
D-89 September Term 2020 085604
01-04-2022
In the MATTER OF George R. SAPONARO, An Attorney At Law (Attorney No. 043781995)
ORDER The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 20-207, concluding on the record certified to the Board pursuant to Rule 1:20-4(f)(default by respondent) that George R. Saponaro of Mount Holly, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1995, and who has been temporarily suspended from the practice of law since January 6, 2020, should be suspended from practice for a period of one year for violating RPC 1.1(a) (gross neglect), RPC 1.3 (lack of diligence), RPC 1.4(b) (failure to keep a client reasonably informed about the status of a matter and to promptly comply with 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 regarding the representation), RPC 1.5(b) (failure to set forth in writing the basis or rate of the fee), RPC 1.16(d) (on termination of representation, failure to protect a client's interests), and RPC 8.1(b) (failure to cooperate with disciplinary authorities);
And the Disciplinary Review Board having determined that respondent should be required to refund a retainer in the amount of $2,000 to his client in the Block matter within sixty days after the filing of the Order of the Court, and that prior to reinstatement to practice, respondent should be required to provide proof of his fitness to practice law;
And the Court having determined on its own motion pursuant to Rule 1:20-16(b) to review the matter; And George R. Saponaro having failed to appear on the Order directing him to show cause why he should not be disbarred or otherwise disciplined;
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED George R. Saponaro is suspended from the practice of law for a period of one year, effective immediately; and it is further
ORDERED that respondent remain suspended from the practice of law pursuant to the Order of the Court filed December 6, 2019; and it is further
ORDERED that George R. Saponaro refund the sum of $2,000 paid to him as a retainer in the Block matter within sixty days after the filing date of this Order; and it is further
ORDERED that prior to his reinstatement to practice, George R. Saponaro provide proof of his fitness to practice law as attested to by a mental health professional 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 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.