SUPREME COURT ADOPTS AMENDMENTS TO THE RULES OF COURT GOVERNING ATTORNEY REGULATION AND DISCIPLINE
The Supreme Court has adopted amendments to Court Rules 1:20-1 et seq., governing attorney regulation and discipline, and 1:20B-4, governing the Disciplinary Oversight Committee. The amendments primarily arise from the Court’s introduction of a process for readmission from disbarment in New Jersey. Most notably, the Court has adopted new Court Rule (Rule 1:20-15B) creating the Attorney Regulatory Board (“ARB”), the post-disciplinary tribunal responsible for reviewing petitions for reinstatement from suspension (formerly reviewed by the Disciplinary Review Board (“DRB”)) and petitions for readmission from disbarment. The Court further amended the Court Rules to update disciplinary costs and promote clarity and consistency.
The Court's Order adopting the amendments is attached to this Notice. The amendments became effective March 1, 2026. Highlights of the
amendments include the following:
Adoption of R. 1:20-15B Governing the Creation and Functions of the Attorney Regulatory Board and Related Amendments to Existing Rules
In furtherance of a process for readmission from disbarment, the new Rule establishes the ARB, which will consist of six members, four of whom shall be attorneys and two of whom shall be public members.
The amendments expand the role of the Office of Board Counsel, to serve as counsel to the ARB in addition to continuing to serve as counsel to the DRB. The amendments also make revisions to a number of Rules made necessary by these notable changes.
Updated Disciplinary Costs
The Rule amendments moderately increase disciplinary costs, including administrative fees, which have remained constant for more than two decades.
Questions
Questions may be directed to the Office of Board Counsel at 609-815-2920 or via e-mail at DRB.mbx@njcourts.gov.
Document Date: March 17, 2026
Publish Date: March 17, 2026