Knowing Misappropriation Draws Disbarment

An attorney with a “significant disciplinary history” has been disbarred by the New Jersey Supreme Court.

The Disciplinary Review Board found that he had engaged in knowing misappropriation of entrusted funds

The crux of this case is respondent’s knowing misappropriation of entrusted funds, in violation of RPC 1.15(a) and the principles of Wilson and Hollendonner, a violation which mandates his disbarment. Regardless of any mitigating factors, because respondent knowingly misappropriated funds that had been entrusted to him, disbarment is the only appropriate sanction, pursuant to the principles of Wilson and Hollendonner. Therefore, we need not address the appropriate quantum of discipline for his additional ethics violations.

We, thus, recommend to the Court that respondent be disbarred.

(Mike Frisch)