Opinion
2012-07-18
In the Matter of Arthur E. SWIDLER, an Attorney at Law (Attorney No. 043421984).
ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 11–456, concluding on the record certified to the Board pursuant to Rule 1:20–4(f)(default by respondent), that ARTHUR E. SWIDLER of TRENTON, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1985, and who has been suspended from the practice of law since August 13, 2010, should be suspended from the practice of law for a period of three years for violating RPC 8.1(b)(failure to reply to a lawful demand for information from a disciplinary authority), and RPC 8.4(d)(conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice);
And the Court having determined from its review of the matter that a three-month suspension from the practice is the appropriate quantum of discipline for respondent's unethical conduct;
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that ARTHUR E. SWIDLER is suspended from the practice of law for a period of three months and until the further Order of the Court, effective immediately; and it is further
ORDERED that respondent shall comply with the conditions ordered by the Court on July 19, 2010, in respect of his trust accounting deficiencies; 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 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(c); and (3) provide a basis for an action for contempt pursuant to Rule 1:10–2; 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.