Summary
during a deposition, the attorney called opposing counsel "stupid" and a "bush league lawyer;" the attorney also impugned the integrity of the trial judge, by stating that he was in the defense's pocket
Summary of this case from In re ChatarpaulOpinion
2014-01-16
In The Matter of Clifford L. VAN SYOC, an Attorney at Law (Attorney No. 012821980).
ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 12–397, concluding that CLIFFORD L. VAN SYOC of CHERRY HILL, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1980, should be suspended from the practice of law for a period of six months for violating RPC 3.2(a)(failing to treat with courtesy and consideration all persons involved in the legal process), RPC 8.2(a) (making a statement the lawyer knows to be false or with reckless disregard as to its truth or falsity concerning the qualifications of a judge), and RPC 8.4(d) (engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice), and good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that CLIFFORD L. VAN SYOC is suspended from the practice of law for a period of six months and until the further Order of the Court, effective February 14, 2014, 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(c); and (3) providea 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.