Opinion
D-152 September Term 2020 086063
03-11-2022
In the MATTER OF Hercules PAPPAS, an Attorney at Law (Attorney No. 018081997)
ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 20-288, concluding that as a matter of reciprocal discipline pursuant to Rule 1:20-14(a)(4), Hercules Pappas of Haddonfield, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1997, should be suspended from the practice of law for a period of one year based on discipline imposed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for unethical conduct that in New Jersey constitutes violations of RPC 1.1(a) (gross neglect), RPC 1.3 (lack of diligence), RPC 1.4(b) (failure to communicate with client), RPC 1.4(c) (failure to explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit the client to make informed decisions), RPC 1.5(b) (failure to promptly deliver funds to the client or a third party), RPC 1.16(d) (failure to protect the client's interests on termination of the representation and to refund the unearned portion of a fee), RPC 3.2 (failure to expedite litigation), RPC 3.3 (a) (1) (false statement to a tribunal), RPC 3.4(c) (failure to comply with a court order), and RPC 8.1(b) (failure to cooperate with disciplinary authorities);
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that Hercules Pappas is suspended from the practice of law for a period of one year and until the further Order of the Court, effective April 11, 2022; 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.