Opinion
D-19 September Term 2020 085083
07-09-2021
In the MATTER OF Donald Lee KINGETT, An Attorney At Law (Attorney No. 015541987)
ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in 19-435, concluding that Donald Lee Kingett of Berlin, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1987, should be disciplined for violating RPC 1.4(c) (failure to explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit the client to make informed decisions about the representation), RPC 1.7(a) (conflict of interest), RPC 5.3(a) (failure to supervise nonlawyer employee), and RPC 5.4(c) (fee sharing with a nonlawyer);
And the Court having granted the petitions for review filed by the parties (R-5/R-7-20) and having ordered Donald Lee Kingett to show cause why he should not be disbarred or otherwise disciplined as provided in Rule 1:20-15A;
And the Court having considered the briefs of the parties and oral argument presented by counsel and having determined from its review of the matter that the record establishes by clear and convincing evidence that by his conduct, respondent violated RPC 1.4 (c), RPC 5.3 (a), and RPC 5.4 (c), and that there is not clear and convincing evidence that respondent violated RPC 1.7 (a) ;
And the Court having concluded that the appropriate quantum of discipline for respondent's unethical conduct is a reprimand;
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that the charge of violation of RPC 1.7 (a) in the formal complaint is hereby dismissed for lack of clear and convincing evidence; and it is further ORDERED that Donald Lee Kingett is hereby reprimanded; 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.