On Thursday, December 19, 2024, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania issued an order disbarring attorney Joshua Louis Thomas from practicing law in the state. The decision came after Thomas failed to respond to a notice and order that required him to explain why reciprocal discipline should not be applied against him. This disciplinary action follows a two-year suspension imposed on Thomas by the Supreme Court of New Jersey, which was based on his prior violations of professional conduct rules in Pennsylvania.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Joshua Louis Thomas,” with case no. 100DB 2024.
Thomas was previously sanctioned for serious breaches of legal ethics, including gross negligence, lack of diligence, and dishonest behavior in his representation of clients. The disciplinary issues arose from his involvement in three federal cases between 2018 and 2020, where he was accused of missing important filing deadlines, neglecting client responsibilities, and providing false statements to judges.
In October 2021, Thomas consented to a two-year suspension of his law license in Pennsylvania due to these violations. The New Jersey Supreme Court’s reciprocal suspension was aligned with the penalties he faced in Pennsylvania, reflecting the seriousness of his misconduct. Following the New Jersey ruling, Thomas was prohibited from practicing law independently for at least two years upon any future reinstatement of his license.
The specific charges against Thomas included violations of the New Jersey Rules of Professional Conduct, such as failing to act competently and diligently and engaging in dishonesty. In one instance, he was sanctioned over $1,600 by a court for willfully ignoring court orders. His history of neglect and misconduct raised significant concerns about his ability to fulfill the duties expected of a practicing attorney.
The order from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court mandates that Thomas comply with the provisions outlined in the Pennsylvania Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement (Pa.R.D.E.) 217, which includes requirements for disbarred attorneys regarding the handling of client matters and the return of client property.
The Disposition states:
“AND NOW, this 19th day of December 2024, having failed to respond to a Notice and Order directing him to provide reasons against the imposition of reciprocal discipline, Joshua Louis Thomas is disbarred from the Bar of this Commonwealth. He shall comply with the provisions of Pa.R.D.E. 217.”
According to avvo.com, Mr. Thomas is a foreclosure attorney in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. He attended the Temple University – James E. Beasley School of Law, graduating in 2011. He acquired his law license in Pennsylvania in 2011.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
