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In re Blumenthal

Citations: 222 N.J. 25; 117 A.3d 175; 2015 N.J. LEXIS 795

Court: Supreme Court of New Jersey; July 15, 2015; New Jersey; State Supreme Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

THOMAS ALAN BLUMENTHAL, admitted to the bar in 1988, has been officially censured by the Court following the Disciplinary Review Board's decision in DRB 14-309. The censure stems from violations of the following Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC): RPC 1.7 regarding conflicts of interest, RPC 3.4(a) concerning unlawful obstruction of evidence, and RPC 3.4(c) for knowingly disobeying tribunal rules. The Court ordered that the full record of this case be permanently maintained in Blumenthal's attorney file. Additionally, he is required to reimburse the Disciplinary Oversight Committee for the administrative costs and expenses related to this disciplinary action, as stipulated in Rule 1:20-17.

Legal Issues Addressed

Censure of Attorney for Professional Misconduct

Application: The court has officially censured Thomas Alan Blumenthal, indicating a formal disapproval of his professional misconduct.

Reasoning: THOMAS ALAN BLUMENTHAL, admitted to the bar in 1988, has been officially censured by the Court following the Disciplinary Review Board's decision in DRB 14-309.

Conflict of Interest under RPC 1.7

Application: Blumenthal's censure includes violations of RPC 1.7, which pertains to conflicts of interest, highlighting issues in his professional conduct.

Reasoning: The censure stems from violations of the following Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC): RPC 1.7 regarding conflicts of interest.

Disobedience of Tribunal Rules under RPC 3.4(c)

Application: Blumenthal knowingly disobeyed tribunal rules, violating RPC 3.4(c), as part of the misconduct leading to his censure.

Reasoning: The censure stems from violations of the following Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC): RPC 3.4(c) for knowingly disobeying tribunal rules.

Permanent Maintenance of Disciplinary Records

Application: The Court has ordered that the full record of this disciplinary case be permanently maintained in Blumenthal's attorney file to ensure a record of his professional misconduct.

Reasoning: The Court ordered that the full record of this case be permanently maintained in Blumenthal's attorney file.

Reimbursement of Disciplinary Costs

Application: Blumenthal is required to reimburse the Disciplinary Oversight Committee for costs and expenses related to the disciplinary proceedings as per the court's decision.

Reasoning: Additionally, he is required to reimburse the Disciplinary Oversight Committee for the administrative costs and expenses related to this disciplinary action, as stipulated in Rule 1:20-17.

Unlawful Obstruction of Evidence under RPC 3.4(a)

Application: A violation of RPC 3.4(a) was cited, indicating that Blumenthal unlawfully obstructed another party's access to evidence during his practice.

Reasoning: The censure stems from violations of the following Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC): RPC 3.4(a) concerning unlawful obstruction of evidence.