On Thursday, March 14, 2024, the Supreme Court of New Jersey suspended attorney Nickolas C. Mourtos for one year for violating ethics rules.

The case is entitled “In the Matter of Nickolas C. Mourtos,” with case no. 088503.

The charges cited New Jersey Rules of Professional Conduct 1.7(a)(2), 1.16(a)(1) and 8.1(b), which states:

Engaging in a conflict of interest.

Failing to withdraw from a representation when required to do so.

Failing to cooperate with disciplinary authorities.

The suspension stems from a disciplinary complaint filed against Mourtos in 2022. According to records from the Disciplinary Review Board, Mourtos began representing a woman, referred to as B.L., in divorce proceedings in 2018. However, several months into the representation, Mourtos began a personal and sexual relationship with the client which lasted over a year.

Mourtos communicated with the client about their relationship using a shared Google document in order to keep the relationship secret from his employer and wife. The document contained over 100 pages of intimate correspondence between Mourtos and the client. Despite being aware that the relationship violated his law firm’s policies and posed a conflict of interest with his client’s case, Mourtos did not withdraw from representing her or inform his supervisors of the situation.

In August 2023, the Disciplinary Review Board determined that Mourtos violated New Jersey Rules of Professional Conduct regarding conflict of interest, withdrawing from representation, and cooperating with ethics authorities. They recommended a three-month suspension, noting aggravating factors such as Mourtos taking advantage of his client’s mental health issues and manipulating his law firm’s billing.

However, the Supreme Court issued a lengthier one-year suspension. In their order, the Justices wrote that a longer suspension was warranted given the seriousness of Mourtos’ misconduct. He will be suspended for one year and required to provide proof of his fitness to practice before seeking reinstatement.

Mourtos did not contest the charges and failed to appear at his disciplinary hearing. As a result, the allegations against him were deemed admitted. He will also have to comply with requirements for suspended attorneys, such as notifying clients and other attorneys about his suspension.

The Disposition states:

“It is ORDERED that Nickolas C. Mourtos is suspended from the practice of law for a period of one year, and until further order of the Court, effective April 15, 2024.”

According to avvo.com, Mr. Mourtos is a divorce & separation attorney. He attended the Rutgers University School of Law, graduating in 2008. He acquired his law license in New Jersey in 2009.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.