Narrative Opinion Summary
Walter D. Nealy, an attorney from Hackensack, is suspended from practicing law for three months due to violations of multiple Rules of Professional Conduct (RPCs): RPC 1.1(a) for gross neglect, RPC 1.3 for lack of diligence, RPC 1.4(b) for failing to keep a client informed, and RPC 8.4(c) for dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation. Following his suspension, Nealy will be required to practice under the supervision of an attorney approved by the Office of Attorney Ethics for two years. The suspension is effective August 11, 2008, and he must adhere to Rule 1:20-20 concerning suspended attorneys. Non-compliance with the Affidavit of Compliance under Rule 1:20-20(b)(15) may result in delays in reinstatement, further violations of RPCs, or contempt actions. The entire record of the proceedings will be permanently added to his attorney file, and he is ordered to reimburse the Disciplinary Oversight Committee for administrative costs related to this case.
Legal Issues Addressed
Compliance with Rules Governing Suspended Attorneyssubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The attorney must adhere to Rule 1:20-20 regarding suspended attorneys, and failure to comply can result in delays in reinstatement or further disciplinary actions.
Reasoning: The suspension is effective August 11, 2008, and he must adhere to Rule 1:20-20 concerning suspended attorneys. Non-compliance with the Affidavit of Compliance under Rule 1:20-20(b)(15) may result in delays in reinstatement, further violations of RPCs, or contempt actions.
Permanent Record of Disciplinary Proceedingssubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The entire record of the disciplinary proceedings will be permanently added to the attorney's file.
Reasoning: The entire record of the proceedings will be permanently added to his attorney file.
Reimbursement of Administrative Costs to Disciplinary Committeesubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The attorney is ordered to reimburse the Disciplinary Oversight Committee for administrative costs related to the case.
Reasoning: He is ordered to reimburse the Disciplinary Oversight Committee for administrative costs related to this case.
Requirement for Supervised Practice Post-Suspensionsubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: After serving the suspension, the attorney must practice under the supervision of an approved attorney for two years.
Reasoning: Following his suspension, Nealy will be required to practice under the supervision of an attorney approved by the Office of Attorney Ethics for two years.
Suspension of Attorney for Violations of Professional Conductsubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The attorney was suspended for three months due to violations of multiple RPCs, including gross neglect, lack of diligence, failing to keep a client informed, and dishonesty.
Reasoning: Walter D. Nealy, an attorney from Hackensack, is suspended from practicing law for three months due to violations of multiple Rules of Professional Conduct (RPCs): RPC 1.1(a) for gross neglect, RPC 1.3 for lack of diligence, RPC 1.4(b) for failing to keep a client informed, and RPC 8.4(c) for dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation.