On Monday, July 7, 2025, the Supreme Court of New Jersey suspended attorney David Ryan Nussey from practicing law for three months following a recommendation from the Disciplinary Review Board (DRB).
The case is entitled “In the Matter of David Ryan Nussey,” with case no. 090586.
Nussey was disciplined for violating Rule of Professional Conduct (RPC) 1.3, which addresses a lack of diligence in client representation. The court’s decision followed a recommendation from the Disciplinary Review Board (DRB).
The suspension stems from Nussey’s handling of a client matter involving Russell Kolins, who retained Nussey in November 2019 for a potential divorce action. After Kolins’ spouse, Christine, died intestate in March 2021, Kolins instructed Nussey to obtain letters of administration for her estate and transfer a property deed to his name to access insurance funds for water damage repairs. From March 2021 to January 2022, Nussey failed to take any steps to secure these documents, delaying Kolins’ ability to receive insurance proceeds. Kolins provided all requested documents, including Christine’s death certificate and the property deed, but Nussey did not act. A substitute attorney later obtained the necessary documents within days.
The DRB found clear evidence of Nussey’s lack of diligence, noting the Surrogate’s Court operated normally during the period, despite Nussey’s claims of delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the board dismissed a charge of inadequate client communication (RPC 1.4(b)), citing insufficient evidence due to mutual scheduling conflicts between Nussey and Kolins.
This marks Nussey’s fourth disciplinary action in five years. In 2020, he received a censure for gross neglect, lack of diligence, and misrepresentation in a matrimonial case. In 2022, he was censured for negligent misappropriation of client funds and recordkeeping violations. In 2023, another censure was issued for failing to provide invoices and cooperate with disciplinary authorities.
The DRB highlighted Nussey’s pattern of client neglect as an aggravating factor, noting significant harm to Kolins, who faced prolonged property damage due to the delay.
The court ordered Nussey to comply with rules governing suspended attorneys, including filing an affidavit of compliance. Failure to do so could delay reinstatement by up to six months and lead to further violations. Nussey must also reimburse the Disciplinary Oversight Committee for administrative costs and expenses incurred during the case.
The Disposition states:
“It is ORDERED that David Ryan Nussey is suspended from the practice of law for a period of three months, and until further order of the Court, effective August 6, 2025.”
According to Avvo.com, Mr. Nussey is an alimony attorney in Haddonfield, New Jersey. He attended the Widener University School of Law, graduating in 1999. He acquired his law license in New Jersey in the same year.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
