At the New Jersey State Bar Association Convention in Atlantic City last month, less than 5 percent of attendees at the program on recent developments in the law of ethics and disciplinary proceedings showed knowledge of the website embodying decisions of the Disciplinary Review Board and the relevant Supreme Court Order disposing of a disciplinary proceeding. A smaller percentage of the attendees indicated that they review or read the posted opinions and orders even periodically.

The DRB is composed of nine members, at least five of whom are New Jersey attorneys, and three of whom are members of the public. R. 1:20-15. The board reviews de novo (usually with arguments by counsel) the “final action” of district ethics committees, special ethics masters and disciplinary decisions of the Committee on Advertising (pursuant to Rule 1:19A-4). R.1:20-15. Its decisions—except for dismissed matters, decisions when admonitions are imposed, and decisions on review of fee arbitration awards (which are subject to limited review)—are embodied in findings and conclusions as to each issue presented along with the recommendation relating to the appropriate discipline. Recommendations of disbarment are automatically the subject of plenary de novo review by the Supreme Court. Other matters are also subject to a plenary review, based on petition for review, which can be filed by the respondent or Office of Attorney Ethics. In any event, an order is entered by the Supreme Court in every case. R. 1:20-16.