Locked Out

The relative leniency of the New Jersey disciplinary system is again on display in an order of six-months suspension of an attorney.

According to the report of the Disciplinary Review Board, the attorney had a record of prior sanctions. He had lied to clients, practiced in violation of a suspension order and failed to cooperate with the bar investigation.

The report even notes that he locked himself in his law office and refused entry to auditors from the bar who were there to conduct a scheduled review.

At least his reinstatement requires him to cooperate with the investigations into his conduct.

If you want to get depressed (or angry) about the state of New Jersey bar discipline, read the summaries of comparative cases cited by the DRB.

As far as I can see, there are no prior comparable cases involving bridge closing issues. (Mike Frisch)