Opinion
D-87-21 Attorney 045981994
06-27-2022
In the Matter of Joseph Cicala, An Attorney At Law
ORDER
The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 21-225, recommending that Joseph Cicala of Nutley, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 1995, be disbarred for violating RPC 1.15(a) and the principles of In re Wilson, 81 NJ. 451 (1979) (knowing misappropriation of client funds), RPC 1.15(b)(failure to promptly disburse funds), RPC 1.15(d)(failure to comply with the recordkeeping requirements of Rule 1:21-6), and RPC 8.4(c)(engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation);
And Joseph Cicala having been ordered to show cause why he should not be disbarred or otherwise disciplined;
And good cause appearing;
It is ORDERED that Joseph Cicala be disbarred, effective immediately, and that his name be stricken from the roll of attorneys; and it is further
ORDERED that Joseph Cicala be and hereby is restrained and enjoined from practicing law; and it is further
ORDERED that all funds, if any, currently existing or hereinafter deposited in any New Jersey financial institution maintained by Joseph Cicala pursuant to Rule 1:21-6 shall be transferred by the financial institution to the Clerk of the Superior Court, who is directed to deposit the funds in the Superior Court Trust Fund pending the further Order of this Court; and it is further
ORDERED that Joseph Cicala comply with Rule 1:20-20 dealing with disbarred attorneys; and it is further
ORDERED that the entire record of this matter be made a permanent part of respondent's file as an attorney at law of this State; and it is further
ORDERED that respondent reimburse the Disciplinary Oversight Committee for appropriate administrative costs and actual expenses incurred in the prosecution of this matter, as provided in Rule 1:20-17.
WITNESS, the Honorable Stuart Rabner, Chief Justice, at Trenton, this 23rd day of June, 2022.