On Monday, October 21, 2024, the Supreme Court of New Jersey indeterminately suspended lawyer Justin A. Greenblum from practicing law in the state.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Justin A. Greenblum,” with case number 089425.
Greenblum has been suspended since May 31, 2023, while disciplinary proceedings were ongoing. In its decision filed on May 10, 2024, the Disciplinary Review Board concluded that Greenblum violated multiple rules of professional conduct and recommended a one-year suspension.
Specifically, the Board found that Greenblum improperly obtained five interest-free loans totaling $450,000 from his client George Filosa and Triboro Hardware without complying with safeguards required under RPC 1.8(a) for business transactions with clients. Greenblum also created a concurrent conflict of interest under RPC 1.7(a)(2) by promising to reduce Filosa’s legal fees by “working off” the loans through his legal services.
As a result of Greenblum’s conduct, his former client and his prior law firm suffered significant financial harm. Filosa had to file a lawsuit in federal court to recover the $338,000 that was still owed on the loans. He obtained a default judgment against Greenblum for $425,444 but Greenblum did not make any payments.
Greenblum’s law firm was also impacted when it was forced to sue Filosa for $141,601 in unpaid legal bills after Greenblum left the firm. Filosa later settled that case with the firm for $54,000.
The Board found several aggravating factors, including the serious financial harm caused to both Greenblum’s client and his law firm. His actions also wasted resources, as both had to file lawsuits against him and Filosa to recover money. Additionally, Greenblum failed to cooperate with disciplinary authorities or participate in the proceedings.
However, the Supreme Court determined an indeterminate suspension was warranted given the circumstances. Greenblum cannot seek reinstatement for four years and must prove his fitness to practice through a medical evaluation prior to reinstatement. The order also requires him to reimburse the costs of the disciplinary proceedings.
According to Avvo, Mr. Greenblum is a partnership lawyer in New York, New York. He obtained his law license in New Jersey in 2004.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
