On Monday, January 29, 2024, the Supreme Court of New Jersey issued an order suspending attorney Joshua Louis Thomas from the practice of law for two years. The suspension stems from disciplinary action taken against Thomas in Pennsylvania, according to records from the Supreme Court of New Jersey Disciplinary Review Board.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Joshua Louis Thomas,” with case no. 088418.
The charges cited New Jersey Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(a), 1.1(b), 1.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3(a)(1), 3.4(d), 8.4(c), 8.4(d).
In October 2021, Thomas consented to a two-year suspension of his law license in Pennsylvania for violations of rules related to competence, diligence, honesty, and candor toward the tribunal.
The New Jersey court’s decision was made as a matter of reciprocal discipline based on the penalties imposed by Pennsylvania authorities. According to the Disciplinary Review Board’s decision, Thomas was found to have committed gross negligence, a pattern of neglect, lack of diligence, and dishonest conduct related to his representation of clients in three different cases in federal court between 2018 and 2020.
Specifically, Thomas was accused of grossly neglecting clients’ cases, failing to meet filing deadlines, disregarding court orders, lying to judges, and filing frivolous litigation. Records show he repeatedly missed deadlines, disregarded discovery obligations, failed to properly serve clients, and lied under oath to a judge about reasons for his actions. He was sanctioned over $1,600 by one court for willful disregard of its orders.
Given the two-year suspension imposed in Pennsylvania, the New Jersey Supreme Court imposed the same length reciprocal suspension on Thomas. Additionally, the New Jersey order prohibits Thomas from practicing as a solo attorney for at least two years upon any future reinstatement of his license. He must also comply with requirements for suspended attorneys, including updating his client records. Failure to meet obligations such as filing an affidavit of compliance could extend his suspension or result in additional penalties.
The Disposition states:
“It is ORDERED that Joshua Louis Thomas is suspended from the practice of law for a period of two years and until further order of the Court, effective February 28, 2024.”
According to avvo.com, Mr. Thomas is a foreclosure attorney in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. He attended the Temple University – James E. Beasley School of Law, graduating in 2011. He acquired his law license in New Jersey in 2012.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
