Notice – Defaults Scheduled for Review by the Disciplinary Review Board on October 17, 2024

The following matters have been certified to the Disciplinary Review Board as defaults, in accordance with R. 1:20-4(f):

In the Matter of Nabil Nadim Kassem
Docket No. DRB 24-121
District Docket No. XI-2023-0008E

In the Matter of Nabil Nadim Kassem
Docket No. DRB 24-122
District Docket No. XI-2023-0009E

In the Matter of Nabil Nadim Kassem
Docket No. DRB 24-173
District Docket No. XI-2022-0017E

In the Matter of Frances Ann Hartman
Docket No. DRB 24-180
District Docket No. VB-2023-0007E

These matters are scheduled to be reviewed by the Board on Thursday, October 17, 2024. R. 1:20-4(f) provides that an attorney-respondent’s failure to timely file an answer “shall be deemed an admission that the allegations of the complaint are true and . . . provide sufficient basis for the imposition of discipline.” Although chances for a successful motion are limited, a motion to vacate the default may be filed with the Board by no later than September 16, 2024. MOTIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NOT BE REVIEWED BY THE BOARD. The motion should specify why the attorney-respondent failed to file a timely answer (including lack of notice) and should set forth any claimed meritorious defenses to the ethics charges. The motion also must be simultaneously served on the Director of the Office of Attorney Ethics and, where appropriate, the district ethics committee responsible for the underlying ethics matter. A certification regarding that service must accompany any documents filed with the Board.

Respondent is hereby advised that, generally, in a default matter, the discipline is enhanced to reflect a respondent’s failure to cooperate with disciplinary authorities as an aggravating factor. In re Kivler, 193 N.J. 332, 338 (2008).

Respondent may communicate with the Board by contacting the Office of Board Counsel at:

P.O. Box 962, Trenton, NJ 08625, Telephone: 609-815-2920, E-Mail: DRB.MBX@njcourts.gov.