On Friday, July 18, 2025, the New Jersey Disciplinary Review Board issued an admonition to Attorney Thomas Hallinan Vigneault, Jr., for his conduct during a civil commitment hearing.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Thomas Hallinan Vigneault, Jr.,” with case no. DRB 25-140.
The decision stemmed from a case involving a client, S.W., who was civilly committed to University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey.
The issue arose when the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) reported Vigneault to the Office of Attorney Ethics, citing a violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct. The OPD had assigned Deputy Public Defender Nora R. Locke and Assistant Deputy Public Defender Daniel F. O’Brien to represent S.W. However, on November 13, 2020, Vigneault provided a retainer agreement to S.W.’s sister, P.W., who claimed to be S.W.’s guardian, to represent S.W. in the commitment proceedings. Vigneault informed O’Brien and Assistant Essex County Counsel Deanna Critchley via email on November 17, 2020, of his role, asserting P.W.’s authority to retain him. He did not file a substitution of attorney or notice of appearance with the court.
During the hearing, S.W. rejected P.W.’s guardianship and expressed her desire to represent herself, a stance O’Brien supported after speaking with her. Despite this, Vigneault appeared as S.W.’s counsel, claiming representation through P.W. The court allowed him to proceed, and O’Brien was ordered to disconnect from the virtual hearing.
Vigneault declined to question the State’s witness, Dr. Zeshawn Ali, who recommended long-term care for S.W., and limited his cross-examination of P.W. to two questions affirming Dr. Ali’s opinion. S.W. was ultimately committed for an additional 30 days, a decision later vacated by the Appellate Division, which found that S.W. had been deprived of effective counsel.
Vigneault, who primarily practices in Family and Surrogate courts and volunteers for domestic violence victims, admitted to the facts but denied violating professional conduct rules. He argued he acted in S.W.’s best interests, based on discussions with Dr. Ali and P.W., and cited COVID-19 restrictions preventing direct communication with S.W.
The Board noted Vigneault’s misunderstanding of his role, emphasizing his obligation to advocate S.W.’s position under RPC 1.14(a). In mitigation, the Board considered Vigneault’s five years of practice, his pro bono work, and his intent to avoid future civil commitment cases.
According to Avvo.com, Mr. Vigneault, Jr is an attorney in Bernardsville, New Jersey. He acquired his law license in New Jersey in 2015.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
