Defaults Scheduled for Review by the Disciplinary Review Board

Re: Defaults Scheduled for Review by the Disciplinary Review Board

The following matters have been certified to the Disciplinary Review Board as defaults, in accordance with R. 1:20- 4(f):

In the Matter of Susan Dinicola-Tapia 
Docket No. DRB 00-029

In the Matter of Francis X. Gavin
Docket No. DRB 00-025

In the Matter of Thomas F. Militano 
Docket No. DRB 00-037

In the Matter of Jeffrey F. Nielsen 
Docket No. DRB 00-041

In the Matter of Gerald Ross 
Docket No. DRB 00-040

These matters are scheduled to be reviewed by the Board on Thursday, April 13, 2000. R.1:20-4(f) provides that an attorney-respondent’s failure to timely file an answer "shall be deemed an admission that the allegations of the complaint are true and . . . provide sufficient basis for the imposition of discipline." Although chances for a successful motion are limited, a Motion to Vacate Default may be filed with the Board prior to the scheduled review. That motion should specify why the attorney-respondent failed to file a timely answer (including lack of notice) and should set forth any claimed meritorious defenses to the ethics charges.

Respondents may communicate with the Board by contacting the Office of Board Counsel at:

P.O. Box 962
Trenton, NJ 08625
Telephone: 609-292-1012