Quantum Physics

The New Jersey Supreme Court has rejected the proposed three-month suspension of its Disciplinary Review Board and publicly censured an attorney.

The attorney had a prior disciplinary record and had defaulted on the charges. The DRB denied his motion to vacate the default.

The misconduct involved his failure to safeguard funds and a conflict of interest in a phony real estate transaction. The transaction itself led to criminal charges against the participants but not the attorney.

The court does not explain its decision to ratchet down the sanction other than to say that “censure is the appropriate quantum of discipline for respondent’s unethical conduct.” (Mike Frisch)