On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, the Supreme Court of New Jersey granted the recommendation of the Disciplinary Review Board to censure attorney Richard Del Vacchio. This decision comes after Del Vacchio faced multiple violations of the New Jersey Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC), notably for failing to communicate effectively with his clients and for engaging in dishonest practices.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Richard Del Vacchio,” with case no. 089434.
The charges cited New Jersey Rules of Professional Conduct 1.4(b), 1.4(c), 8.1(b), and 8.4(c).
Del Vacchio was initially recommended for a six-month suspension due to several infractions. The Disciplinary Review Board’s findings indicated that Del Vacchio had violated RPC 1.4(b) by not keeping a client adequately informed about the status of their case. Additionally, he was found to have breached RPC 1.4(c) by failing to explain matters sufficiently for his client to make informed decisions regarding their representation.
The specific case that prompted these disciplinary actions involved Del Vacchio’s representation of Patricia F. Giordano in a personal injury lawsuit against the owner of a Red Roof Inn. After Giordano’s death in 2016, her daughter, Charlene A. Giordano, became the administrator of her estate. Del Vacchio was accused of failing to inform Charlene about significant developments in the case, including an arbitration hearing that occurred in September 2017. As a result, Charlene was not given the opportunity to participate in the arbitration, which she was entitled to as the administrator of the estate.
Further complicating the matter, Del Vacchio was charged with two instances of violating RPC 8.1(b), which mandates attorneys to cooperate with disciplinary authorities. His lack of response to the New Jersey Disciplinary Review Board’s inquiries during the investigation was cited as a serious breach of professional responsibility.
Moreover, Del Vacchio was found to have engaged in conduct that contravenes RPC 8.4(c), which addresses dishonesty, fraud, deceit, and misrepresentation. He allegedly fabricated a letter dated February 3, 2017, claiming it was sent to Charlene to notify her of the arbitration hearing, which had not yet been scheduled at that time. This misrepresentation raised significant concerns about his integrity and professionalism.
Initially, the Disciplinary Review Board recommended a six-month suspension for these violations. However, upon review, the Supreme Court determined that a censure was the more appropriate disciplinary action. The Court’s decision reflected its assessment of the misconduct while considering the overall context of Del Vacchio’s professional conduct.
As part of the censure, the Court ordered that the entire record of the proceedings be permanently included in Del Vacchio’s attorney file. Additionally, he was instructed to reimburse the Disciplinary Oversight Committee for the administrative costs and expenses incurred during the prosecution of this disciplinary matter.
According to avvo.com, Mr. Vacchio is a civil rights attorney in Flemington, New Jersey. He attended the New York University School of Law, graduating in 1993. He acquired his law license in the same year.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
