Opinion
D-142 September Term 2021 087407
03-15-2023
In the MATTER OF Nelson GONZALEZ, An Attorney At Law (Attorney No. 020401997)
ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 22-014, concluding that Nelson Gonzalez of Dover, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1997, should be suspended from the practice of law for a period of six months for violating RPC 1.1(a) (gross neglect), RPC 1.3 (lack of diligence), RPC 1.4(b) (failure to communicate with client), RPC 1.5(b) (failure to set forth in writing the basis or rate of the fee), RPC 3.2 (failure to expedite litigation), RPC 5.3(a) (failure to adopt and maintain reasonable efforts to ensure that the conduct of nonlawyer employees is compatible with the professional obligations of the lawyer), RPC 5.3 (b) (failure to make reasonable efforts to ensure that the conduct of nonlawyer employees is compatible with the professional obligations of the lawyer), RPC 7.1(a) (misleading communication about the lawyer or the lawyer's services), RPC 7.5(a) (improper use of a professional designation that violates RPC 7.1 ), and RPC 8.1(b) (failure to cooperate with disciplinary authorities);
And the Disciplinary Review Board further having determined that respondent should practice law under the supervision of a practicing attorney approved by the Office of Attorney Ethics for a period of six months following his reinstatement;
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that Nelson Gonzalez is suspended from the practice of law for a period of six months, and until the further Order of the Court, effective April 11, 2023; and it is further ORDERED the Nelson Gonzalez practice law under the supervision of a practicing attorney approved by the Office of Attorney Ethics on his reinstatement to practice, for a period of six months 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.