Opinion
D-90 September Term 2018 082520
11-07-2019
In the MATTER OF Rhashea Lynn HARMON, an Attorney at Law (Attorney No. 040562011)
ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 18-302, concluding on the record certified to the Board pursuant to Rule 1:20-4(f)(default by respondent), that Rhashea Lynn Harmon of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 2012, should be suspended from the practice of law for a period of three months for violating RPC 1.4(b) (failure to communicate with client), RPC 1.16(c) (failure to comply with applicable law when terminating a representation), RPC 1.16(d) (on termination of the representation, failure to take steps reasonably practicable to protect a client's interests), RPC 8.1(b) (failure to cooperate with disciplinary authorities), and RPC 8.4(d) (conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice);
And respondent having failed to appear on the Order to Show Cause issued in this matter, and the Court having held in In re Kivler, 193 N.J. 332, 939 A. 2d 216 (2008) that a respondent's unexcused failure to comply with an Order to Show Cause may be a basis for enhanced discipline; And the Court having determined from its review of the matter that respondent should be suspended from practice for an indeterminate period of time for her unethical conduct; And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that Rhashea Lynn Harmon is suspended from the practice of law for an indeterminate period pursuant to Rule 1:20-15A(a)(2), effective December 4, 2019, and until the further Order of the Court; and it is further
ORDERED that respondent shall not petition for reinstatement to practice for a period of five years from the effective date of suspension; 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.