On Friday, May 31, 2024, the Supreme Court of New Jersey issued an order suspending attorney Glen M. Diehl from the practice of law for three months.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Glen M. Diehl,” with case no. 086177.
The charges cited New Jersey Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(a), 1.3 1.4(b) 1.16(d), and 8.1(b).
Committing gross neglect.
Lacking diligence.
Failing to communicate with a client.
Failing to protect the client’s interests upon termination of the representation.
Failing to cooperate with disciplinary authorities.
The Rules of Professional Conduct can be found here.
The order comes after the Disciplinary Review Board (DRB) reviewed misconduct allegations against Diehl and issued a decision in August 2021 recommending a three-month suspension.
According to the DRB’s decision, Diehl was retained in January 2018 by clients Mario Mannino and his wife to defend them in a foreclosure action filed by Windsor Estates LLC and to pursue a counterclaim regarding unpaid services. Diehl filed motions in the case and negotiated a settlement of the foreclosure matter in March 2018.
However, the DRB found that after June 2018, Diehl ceased communicating with the Manninos despite their requests. He failed to file a complaint regarding their remaining claims or take any further action on their behalf. The Manninos hired new counsel Robert Garofalo in 2019, but Diehl also failed to communicate with Garofalo or provide the client’s file when requested.
In July 2019, Mannino filed a grievance against Diehl with the Office of Attorney Ethics (OAE). Diehl failed to respond to the grievance or the subsequent formal ethics complaint filed by the District XA Ethics Committee. He has been suspended since November 2019 for failing to cooperate in another OAE investigation.
The DRB determined Diehl’s inactions violated New Jersey Rules of Professional Conduct rules regarding incompetence, lack of diligence, failure to communicate with clients, failure to protect client interests upon termination of representation, and failure to cooperate with disciplinary authorities.
In its May 2024 order, the New Jersey Supreme Court adopted the DRB’s recommended three-month suspension. Diehl must also comply with requirements for suspended attorneys and will remain suspended under a prior 2019 order. The order notes Diehl’s failure to file necessary affidavits could result in additional sanctions.
The Disposition states:
“It is ORDERED that Glen M. Diehl is suspended from the practice of law for a period of three months, and until further order of the Court, effective June 30, 2024.”
According to avvo.com, Mr. Diehl is a litigation attorney in Watchung, New Jersey. He attended the Seton Hall University. He acquired his law license in New Jersey in 1986.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
