Opinion
D-111 September Term 2018 082730
10-15-2019
In the MATTER OF M. Blake PERDUE, An Attorney At Law (Attorney No. 083772014)
CORRECTED ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 18-319, DRB 18-320 and DRB18-321, concluding on the records certified to the Board pursuant to Rule 1:20-4(f)(default by respondent) that M. Blake Perdue of Morristown, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 2014, should be suspended from the practice of law for a period of six months for violating RPC 1.1(a) (gross neglect), RPC 1.3 (lack of diligence), RPC 1.4(b) (failure to keep client reasonably informed about the status of the matter), RPC 1.4(c) (failure to explain a matter to client sufficiently to permit client to make informed decisions), RPC 1.16(d) (failure to protect client interests and return file on termination of representation), RPC 8.1(b) (failure to cooperate with disciplinary authorities), and RPC 8.4(c) (conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation);
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that M. Blake Perdue is suspended from the practice of law for a period of six months, effective October 31, 2019, and until the further Order of the Court; 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.