Moment Of Truth

A stayed six-month suspension is summarized on the web page of the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers.

After his 2004 Connecticut admission

In July 2004, the respondent took the Massachusetts’ bar examination and in November 2004, he was notified by the BBE that he had passed the examination.

He failed to disclose a alcohol-related driving arrest that occurred in Mashpee prior to his swearing in to Massachusetts.

Then

In December 2011, the respondent applied for admission to the Supreme Court of New York and as a result from an inquiry of the New York admissions office, disclosed the Mashpee arrest. On July 9, 2012, the respondent self-reported the above described Mashpee arrest and conviction in writing to the BBE and the Board of Bar Overseers and on July 12, 2012, the BBE referred the matter to bar counsel.

At some point, the respondent applied for admission to the New Jersey bar, disclosing the Mashpee arrest and the conviction and a lengthy and exhaustive vetting process ensued. The proceedings disclosed a long history of legal difficulties involving alcohol when the respondent was young. On March 12, 2014, a New Jersey panel on character and fitness recommended admission, subject to four enumerated conditions. The recommended conditions were then appealed in part by the respondent. On December 7, 2016 the Supreme Court of New Jersey adopted the recommendations of the panel and certified the respondent for admission, subject to conditions to be in effect for two years including abstinence, attendance at one AA or LCL meeting per month, continuing treatment with a therapist and a requirement that he not engage in solo practice without associating with experienced counsel.

 Agreed sanction

The parties also agreed that the respondent be suspended for six months, with the suspension stayed for two years, subject to the conditions for admission imposed by the New Jersey Supreme Court.