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In re Vapnar

Citations: 200 A.3d 1291; 236 N.J. 552Docket: D-82 September Term 2018; 082386

Court: Supreme Court of New Jersey; February 5, 2019; New Jersey; State Supreme Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

Richard Joseph Vapnar, an attorney suspended since December 15, 2017, has been recommended for further suspension by the Disciplinary Review Board (DRB 18-403) due to non-compliance with a determination from the District IIB Fee Arbitration Committee (Docket No. IIB-2018-003F). The Court has ordered his temporary suspension from practicing law effective March 6, 2019, until he complies with the arbitration committee's decision and pays a sanction of $500 to the Disciplinary Oversight Committee. This suspension will be vacated automatically if the DRB reports that Vapnar has fulfilled all obligations prior to the effective date. Additionally, if Vapnar wishes to contest this matter, he must file a written request with the Clerk of the Court within ten days. During his suspension, he is prohibited from practicing law and must adhere to Rule 1:20-20. The record of this case will be permanently included in Vapnar's attorney file.

Legal Issues Addressed

Attorney Suspension for Non-Compliance with Fee Arbitration

Application: The court recommends suspension for attorney Richard Joseph Vapnar due to non-compliance with the District IIB Fee Arbitration Committee's determination.

Reasoning: Richard Joseph Vapnar, an attorney suspended since December 15, 2017, has been recommended for further suspension by the Disciplinary Review Board (DRB 18-403) due to non-compliance with a determination from the District IIB Fee Arbitration Committee (Docket No. IIB-2018-003F).

Conditions for Lifting Attorney Suspension

Application: The suspension will be lifted automatically if Vapnar complies with the arbitration decision and pays the sanction before the effective date.

Reasoning: This suspension will be vacated automatically if the DRB reports that Vapnar has fulfilled all obligations prior to the effective date.

Permanent Record of Disciplinary Action

Application: The case record will be permanently recorded in Vapnar's attorney file.

Reasoning: The record of this case will be permanently included in Vapnar's attorney file.

Procedure for Contesting Suspension Order

Application: Vapnar may file a written request to contest the suspension order within ten days with the Clerk of the Court.

Reasoning: Additionally, if Vapnar wishes to contest this matter, he must file a written request with the Clerk of the Court within ten days.

Prohibition on Practicing Law During Suspension

Application: During the suspension period, Vapnar is prohibited from practicing law and must comply with specific court rules.

Reasoning: During his suspension, he is prohibited from practicing law and must adhere to Rule 1:20-20.