Opinion
D-2 Sept. Term 2021 086220
03-25-2022
In the MATTER OF Philip J. MORIN, III, An Attorney At Law (Attorney No. 027381994)
ORDER The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 21-20, concluding on the record certified to the Board pursuant to Rule 1:20-4(f)(default by respondent) that Philip J. Morin, III, of Cranford, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1994, should be suspended from the practice of law for a period of three years for violating RPC 1.1(a) (gross neglect), RPC 1.2 (a) (failure to abide by the client's decision concerning the scope and objectives of the representation), RPC 1.3 (lack of diligence), RPC 1.4(b) (failure to communicate with client), RPC 4.1 (a) (1) false statement of material fact or law to a third person), RPC 8.1(b) (failure to cooperate with disciplinary authorities), RPC 8.4 (b) (criminal act that reflects adversely on the honesty, trustworthiness or fitness of the attorney), 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 Disciplinary Review Board having further determined that prior to his reinstatement to practice, respondent should be required to demonstrate that he is fit to practice law, as attested to by a medical professional approved by the Office of Attorney Ethics;
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that Philip J. Morin, III, be suspended from the practice of law for a period of three years and until the further Order of the Court, effective April 21, 2022; and it is further
ORDERED that prior to reinstatement to practice, respondent shall demonstrate proof of his fitness to practice law, as attested to by a medical 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.