Opinion
February 8, 2007.
ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 06-235, concluding that RICHARD LEDINGHAM of UPPER SADDLE RIVER, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1981, should be suspended from the practice of law for a period of three months for violating RPC 1.5(a) (charging an unreasonable fee), RPC 3.4(g) (threatening criminal action to collect fee), and RPC 8.4(c) (fees so clearly inflated as to constitute dishonesty), and good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that RICHARD LEDINGHAM is suspended from the practice of law for a period of three months and until the further Order of the Court, effective March 5, 2007; 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 Ride 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(c); 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 Over-sight Committee for appropriate administrative costs and actual expenses incurred in the prosecution of this matter, as provided in Rule 1:20-17.