Opinion
D-37 September Term 2022 087781
05-10-2023
In the MATTER OF Esther Maria ALVAREZ, An Attorney At Law (Attorney No. 003421992)
ORDER The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 22-133, recommending that Esther Maria Alvarez of Union, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1992, be disbarred for violating RPC 1.15(a) and the principles of In re Wilson, 81 N.J. 451, 409 A.2d 1153 (1979) (knowing misappropriation of client funds), and In re Hollendonner, 102 N.J. 21, 504 A.2d 1174 (1985) (knowing misappropriation of escrow funds), RPC 1.15(a) (commingling), RPC 1.15(b) (failing to promptly deliver funds to client), RPC 1.15(d) (failing to comply with the recordkeeping requirements of R. T.21-6). RPC 8.1(a) (making a false statement of material fact in a disciplinary matter), RPC 8.4(b) (engaging in a criminal act that reflects adversely on the lawyer's honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer), and RPC 8.4(c) (engaging in conduct involving dishonest, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation);
And Esther Maria Alvarez having been Ordered to Show Cause why she should not be disbarred or otherwise disciplined, and good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that Esther Maria Alvarez be disbarred, effective immediately, and that her name be stricken from the roll of attorneys;
ORDERED that Esther Maria Alvarez be and hereby is permanently restrained and enjoined from practicing law; and it is further
ORDERED that all funds, if any, currently existing or hereinafter deposited in any New Jersey financial institution maintained by Esther Maria Alvarez pursuant to Rule 1:21-6 shall be restrained from disbursement except on application to this Court for good cause shown and shall be transferred by the financial institution to the Cleric of the Superior Court, who is directed to deposit the funds in the Superior Court Trust Fund pending further order of this Court; and it is further
ORDERED that Esther Maria Alvarez comply with Rule 1:20-20 dealing with disbarred attorneys; 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.