On Tuesday, October 25, 2022, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania ruled in favor of Philadelphia attorney Joshua Lawrence Gayl’s Petition for Reinstatement. The case is entitled “In the matter of Joshua Lawrence Gayl” with Case #79 DB 2016.

The following are as summarized from the filing:

On July 19, 2017, Gayl pled guilty to conspiracy to obstruct justice in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371 before the United States District Court of New Jersey and he was sentenced to a one-year and one-day imprisonment, a $5,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment. For this reason, Gayl was disbarred by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania on November 7, 2018, retroactive to June 3, 2016, the date of his temporary suspension.

On June 17, 2021, Gayl filed a Petition for Reinstatement on June 17, 2021. In response, the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (“ODC”), reserved its right to review the testimony and evidence Gayl presented at the hearing before taking a final position on his reinstatement.

The Hearing Committee concluded in its Report dated June 2, 2022, and after a reinstatement hearing on March 8 and 9, 2022, that Gayl has met his reinstatement burden and recommended to the Disciplinary Board that Gayl’s Petition for Reinstatement be granted. Neither ODC nor Gayl filed exceptions.

The Disciplinary Board, concluded that Gayl is fit to practice law, and recommended Gayl’s reinstatement.

The Report and Recommendations of the Disciplinary Board reads:

‘We conclude, as did the Committee, that Petitioner’s misconduct while extremely serious is not so egregious as to prevent the possibility of reinstatement. The Supreme Court’s precedent makes clear that Petitioner’s misconduct doe not bar reinstatement.’

The Report continues:

‘The record demonstrates that Petitioner has spent the past six years, and more, focused on rehabilitating himself from his misconduct by addressing the underlying causes and repairing the damage inflicted by his wrongdoing. Petitioner’s rehabilitation began prior to his guilty plea, when in April 2015 he underwent a neuropsychological evaluation and began participating in treatment, family and individual counseling to treat psychological issues and understand the origins of his criminal conduct. He began attending weekly GA meetings in March 2016 in an effort to address his admitted gambling addiction.’

The Report additionally notes:

‘The record established that Petitioner has committed himself to a path of responsibility and has demonstrated genuine contrition for his transgressions. He fully acknowledged his criminal misconduct and never minimized nor attempted to justify his actions. Petitioner credibly expresses sincere remorse and regret.’

Accordingly, the Court ruled in favor of Gayl and granted his petition.

The Disposition states:

“AND NOW, this 25th day of October 2022, the Petition for Reinstatement is granted. Petitioner is ordered to pay the expenses incurred by the Board in the investigation and processing of the Petition for Reinstatement.”

As of today, Mr. Gayl works for Silvers, Langsam & Weitzman, P.C. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He earned his Juris Doctor from Villanova University School of Law, graduating in 2006. He has been admitted to practice in Pennsylvania, license no. 203367, as well as in New Jersey. His info can be found on Avvo.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.