Opinion
D–2 September Term 2017 080026
05-02-2018
In the MATTER OF Paul SPEZIALE, an Attorney At Law (Attorney No. 042881984)
ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 17–093, concluding on the record certified to the Board pursuant to Rule 1:20–4(f) (default by respondent) that PAUL SPEZIALE , formerly of MONTVALE , who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1984, and who has been temporarily suspended from practice since March 8, 2017, should be suspended from the practice of law for a period of three months for violating RPC 1.1(a) (gross neglect), RPC 1.2(a) (failure to abide by the client's decisions regarding the scope of the representation), RPC 1.3 (lack of diligence), RPC 1.4 (b(failure to keep a client reasonably informed), RPC 1.4(c) (failure to explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary for the client to make informed decisions about the representation), RPC 1.15(a) (commingling of funds), RPC 1.15(d) and Rule 1:21–6 (recordkeeping violations), RPC 3.4(c) (knowingly disobeying an obligation under the rules of a tribunal), RPC 5.5(a) (practicing law while ineligible), RPC 8.1(b) (failure to respond to a lawful demand for information form a disciplinary authority), and RPC 8.4(d) (conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice);
And PAUL SPEZIALE having failed to appear on the Order directing him to show cause why he should not be disbarred or otherwise disciplined;
And the Court having determined from its review of the matter that a prospective one-year term of suspension is the appropriate quantum of discipline for respondent's unethical conduct;
And good cause appearing;It is ORDERED that PAUL SPEZIALE is suspended from the practice of law for a period of one year, effective immediately, 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 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.