Opinion
D-122 September Term 2020 085827
04-01-2022
In the MATTER OF Douglas Andrew GRANNAN An Attorney At Law (Attorney No. 011621997)
ORDER The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 20-236, concluding that as a matter of reciprocal discipline pursuant to Rule 1:20-14(a)(4)(E), Douglas Andrew Grannan of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1997, should be suspended from the practice of law for a period of two years based on discipline imposed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for multiple instances of unethical conduct that in New Jersey violates RPC 1.1(a) (gross neglect), RPC 1.3 (lack of diligence), RPC 1.4(b) (failure to communicate with client), RPC 1.4(c) (failure to explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit the client to make informed decisions), RPC 1.5(b) (failure to set forth in writing the basis or rate of the fee), RPC 1.16(d) (on termination of representation, failure to take steps to the extent reasonably practicable to protect a client's interests), RPC 7.3(b)(5) (improper, unsolicited, direct contact with a prospective client), and RPC 8.4(d) (conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice);
And the Court having ordered respondent to show cause why he should not be disbarred or otherwise disciplined;
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that Douglas Andrew Grannan be suspended from the practice of law for a period of two years, effective May 2, 2022, and until the further Order of the Court; and it is further
ORDERED that following his reinstatement to the practice of law, Douglas Andrew Grannan shall complete a continuing legal education course in immigration law and two courses in professional responsibility approved by the Office of Attorney Ethics, the credits for which shall be in addition to those required by Rule 1:42; and it is further
ORDERED that following reinstatement, respondent shall practice law under the supervision of a practicing attorney approved by the Office of Attorney Ethics for a period of two years, and until the Office of Attorney Ethics deems further supervision unnecessary, and until the further Order of the Court; and it is further
ORDERED that respondent comply with Rule 1:20-20 dealing with suspended attorneys; and it is further
ORDERED that pursuant to Rule 1:20-20(c), respondent's failure to comply with the Affidavit of Compliance requirement of Rule 1:20-20(b)(15) may (1) preclude the Disciplinary Review Board from considering respondent's petition for reinstatement for a period of up to six months from the date respondent files proof of compliance; (2) be found to constitute a violation of RPC 8.1(b) and RPC 8.4(d) ; and (3) provide a basis for an action for contempt pursuant to Rule 1:10-2; 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.