On Tuesday, August 13, 2024, the Supreme Court of New Jersey issued an order admonishing attorney Mark S. Geschwer for violating recordkeeping rules.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Mark S.Geschwer.,” with case no. 088267.
The charges cited New Jersey Rules of Professional Conduct 1.15(d).
The order stems from a March 30, 2023 Stipulation of Discipline by Consent between Geschwer and the Office of Attorney Ethics regarding deficiencies found in Geschwer’s financial books and records during a January 2020 random audit.
According to a May 26, 2023 letter decision by the Disciplinary Review Board, the audit uncovered issues such as failure to maintain proper client ledgers and trust accounts, outstanding old checks dating back to 1998, and improper designation of business and trust accounts.
Geschwer was given multiple opportunities over two-and-a-half years to correct the deficiencies with his financial records but failed to resolve all issues fully. He initially retained his regular CPA for assistance but still had ongoing problems. Geschwer hired a second CPA specializing in trust accounting and helped resolve all remaining deficiencies.
Both Geschwer and the OAE agreed that his violations warranted a reprimand or lesser discipline. In its May 2023 letter, the Disciplinary Review Board determined Geschwer’s sole transgression was a violation of the New Jersey Rule of Professional Conduct for failure to comply with recordkeeping requirements of Rule 1:21-6. The Board issued only an admonishment, the lowest available sanction, noting Geschwer’s nearly 50 years of prior unblemished conduct, contrition, and community service.
The Supreme Court order formally admonished Geschwer in line with the Board’s recommended discipline. Geschwer will also have to reimburse administrative costs associated with the disciplinary proceedings.
According to avvo.com, Mr. Geschwer is a personal injury attorney in Hackensack, New Jersey. He attended the Brooklyn Law School. He acquired his law license in New Jersey in 1974.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
