Opinion
D-30-22
06-27-2023
In the Matter of Philip V. Toronto An Attorney at Law (Attorney No. 011351982)
ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 22-122, concluding on the records certified to the Board pursuant to Rule 1:20-4(f) (default by respondent) that Philip V. Toronto formerly of Hasbrouck Heights, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1982, and who has been suspended from the practice of law since March 11, 2021, by Order of the Court filed March 11, 2021, should be suspended from the practice of law for a period of six months for violating RPC 1.15(a) (negligent misappropriation of client funds), RPC 1.15(d) (failure to comply with recordkeeping requirements), RPC 5.5(a)(1) (unauthorized practice of law - practicing while ineligible), and RPC 8.1(b) (failure to cooperate with disciplinary authorities);
And the Court having further determined that the Order of the Court filed March 11, 2021, shall be vacated;
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that Philip V. Toronto is suspended from the practice of law for a period of six months, effective July 27, 2023, and until further Order of the Court, and it is further
ORDERED that the Order of the Court filed March 11, 2021, is vacated; 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.
WITNESS, the Honorable Stuart Rabner, Chief Justice, at Trenton, this 27th day of June, 2023.