On Friday, May 10, 2024, the Supreme Court of New Jersey issued an order reprimanding attorney Joseph J. Ashton, III for failing to comply with disciplinary rules following his suspension from practicing law.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Joseph J. Ashton, III,” with case no. 089140.
The charges cited New Jersey Rules of Professional Conduct 8.1(b) and 8.4(d) which states:
Failing to cooperate with disciplinary authorities.
Engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.
According to the Certification of the Record from the Disciplinary Review Board, Ashton has been suspended from practicing law in New Jersey since May 27, 2022. This suspension arose from misconduct committed by Ashton in Pennsylvania, where he also practiced law, that violated New Jersey ethics rules related to competent representation of clients, communication with clients, and failure to expedite litigation.
As part of his suspension, Ashton was required under New Jersey Court Rule 1:20-20 to file an affidavit with the Office of Attorney Ethics within 30 days detailing how he had complied with requirements for suspended attorneys. These requirements are designed to protect clients and avoid confusion that could result from a suspended attorney continuing to hold himself out as able to practice law. However, Ashton failed to file this required affidavit.
The Office of Attorney Ethics sent letters to several addresses for Ashton reminding him of his obligation and requesting a response. However, all letters were returned as undeliverable, with the exception of one that was sent to an out-of-state address and was signed for. Ashton did not respond or file the affidavit. Ashton also failed to file an answer to a formal ethics complaint filed against him in April 2023 regarding this matter.
In a February 2024 decision, the Disciplinary Review Board determined that Ashton’s conduct violated ethics rules regarding cooperation with disciplinary authorities and conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice. The Board recommended a reprimand as the appropriate discipline, considering Ashton’s default on the complaint and the lack of significant prior misconduct on his record.
The New Jersey Supreme Court agreed and reprimanded Ashton for his misconduct. The order also notes Ashton will remain suspended and requires him to reimburse costs associated with the disciplinary proceedings against him.
Ashton’s actions underscore the importance of suspended attorneys complying with requirements designed to protect the public and facilitate oversight of attorney conduct even during periods of suspension from practicing law.
According to avvo.com, Mr. Ashton III is a personal injury attorney in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended the Temple University – James E. Beasley School of Law, graduating in 2010. He acquired his law license in New Jersey in the same year.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
