Opinion
D-147 September Term 2020 086036
08-19-2021
In the MATTER OF Saul Gary GRUBER, An Attorney At Law (Attorney No. 042141988 )
ORDER This matter having been duly presented pursuant to Rule 1:20-10(b), following a granting of a motion for discipline by consent in DRB 21-029 of Saul Gary Gruber of Miami, Florida, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1988;
And the Office of Attorney Ethics and respondent having signed a stipulation of discipline by consent in which it was agreed that in multiple client representations, respondent engaged in unethical conduct in violation of RPC 1.1(a) (gross neglect), RPC 1.1 (b) (pattern of neglect), RPC 1.3 (lack of diligence), RPC 1.4(b) (failure to keep client reasonably informed about the status of a matter), RPC 1.4(c) (failure to explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit the client to make informed decisions regarding the representation), RPC 3.2 (failure to expedite litigation), RPC 8.4(c) (conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation), and RPC 8.4(d) (conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice);
And the parties having agreed that respondent's conduct violated RPC 1.1(a), RPC 1.1(b), RPC 1.3, RPC 1.4(b), RPC 1.4(c), RPC 8.4(c), and RPC 8.4(d), and that said conduct warrants a suspension from practice for a period ranging from three to six months and the imposition of certain conditions;
And the Disciplinary Review Board having determined that a prospective six-month suspension from practice together with conditions is the appropriate discipline for respondent's unethical conduct and having granted the motion for discipline by consent in District Docket Nos. XIV-2018-0443E and XIV-2018-0459E;
And the Disciplinary Review Board having concluded that prior to reinstatement to practice, respondent should provide to the Office of Attorney Ethics proof that he has continued to receive psychological treatment and proof that he is fit to practice law, as attested to by a mental health professional approved by that office;
And the Disciplinary Review Board having submitted the record of the proceedings to the Clerk of the Supreme Court for the entry of an order of discipline in accordance with Rule 1:20-16(e);
And good cause appearing; It is ORDERED that Saul Gary Gruber of Miami, Florida is hereby suspended from the practice of law for a period of six months, effective September 17, 2021; and it is further
ORDERED that prior to reinstatement to practice, respondent shall provide to the Office of Attorney Ethics proof that he continues to receive psychological treatment and proof of his fitness to practice law, as attested to by a mental health professional approved by the Office of Attorney Ethics; 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.