Opinion
D-91 September Term 2019 084002
06-05-2020
In the MATTER OF Joel S. ZIEGLER, An Attorney At Law (Attorney No. 222301966)
ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 19-223 and DRB 19-273, concluding that Joel S. Ziegler of Maplewood, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1966, should be suspended from the practice of law for a period of three months for violating RPC 1.5(b) (failure to set forth in writing the basis or rate of the fee); RPC 5.5(a)(1) (unauthorized practice of law), RPC 1.15(a) (commingling and failure to safeguard client funds), RPC 1.15(d)(recordkeeping), and RPC 8.4(c) (conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation);
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that Joel S. Ziegler is suspended from the practice of law for a period of three months, and until the further Order of the Court, effective July 6, 2020; 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.