In the Matter of Saul A. BERKMAN, an Attorney at Law
No. D-118 September Term 2007Supreme Court of New Jersey.
June 13, 2008.ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 07-281, concluding that as a matter of reciprocal discipline pursuant to Rule 1:20-14(a)(A)(E), SAUL A. BERKMAN of WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1974, should be suspended from the practice of law for a period of three months based on discipline imposed in the state of New York for conduct that in New Jersey violates RPC 1.1(a) (gross neglect), RPC 1.3 (lack of diligence), and RPC 8.4(c) (conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation);
And the Court having determined from its review of the matter that a nine-month suspension from practice is the appropriate quantum of discipline for respondent's unethical conduct;
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that SAUL A. BERKMAN is suspended from the practice of law for a period of nine months, effective July 14, 2008, 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(c); 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.