On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, the Supreme Court of New Jersey suspended attorney Jason R. Carpenter from the practice of law for three months. This decision, stemming from a recommendation by the Disciplinary Review Board, was made following Carpenter’s prior discipline in Pennsylvania, where he faced similar charges of unethical conduct.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Jason R. Carpenter,” with case no. 090075.
The charges cited New Jersey Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(a), 1.3, 1.4(b), 1.15(a), 1.15(b), 1.15(d), 1.16(d), 4.2, 8.4(c) and 8.4(d).
According to the court’s order, Carpenter’s suspension is based on reciprocal discipline, meaning that the New Jersey Supreme Court is taking action against him because of discipline imposed by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania court had suspended Carpenter for 18 months, and the New Jersey court has now imposed a three-month suspension.
Carpenter’s misconduct was extensive and serious. He was found to have engaged in gross neglect and lack of diligence in handling client matters, failing to file an original Acceptance of Service with the court in a divorce case, which caused delays and complications in the proceedings. He also failed to keep his clients reasonably informed about the status of their matters and to comply with reasonable requests for information, leading to misunderstandings and problems in the cases he was handling.
Furthermore, Carpenter was found to have engaged in negligent misappropriation of client funds, failing to properly manage client funds, which led to financial losses or harm to his clients. Additionally, he engaged in improper communication with a person represented by counsel, communicating with a party in a case who was already represented by another attorney, without the permission of that attorney or the party. The disciplinary review board also found that Carpenter had failed to comply with recordkeeping requirements, failing to maintain accurate and complete records of client matters, financial transactions, and other important documents.
Finally, the board found that Carpenter had engaged in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation, a very serious violation of the rules of professional conduct, suggesting that he had engaged in intentional and deceptive behavior in his practice.
As a result of the suspension, Carpenter is required to comply with rules governing suspended attorneys, including filing an affidavit of compliance with the court. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in additional penalties, including a delay in considering his petition for reinstatement.
The court’s order also directs Carpenter to reimburse the Disciplinary Oversight Committee for administrative costs and actual expenses incurred in the prosecution of the matter.
The Disposition states:
“It is ORDERED that Jason R. Carpenter is suspended from the practice of law for a period of three months, and until further order of the Court, effective March 16, 2025.”
According to avvo.com, Mr. Carpenter is a divorce and separation attorney in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He attended the Widener University School of Law, graduating in 2015. He acquired his law license in New Jersey in 2016.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
