NOTICE TO THE BAR
DEFAULTS SCHEDULED FOR REVIEW BY THE DISCIPLINARY REVIEW BOARD THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2026
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 Tomas Espinosa
Docket No. DRB 26-021
District Docket No. XIV-2025-0118E
In the Matter of Annmarie F. De Primo
Docket No. DRB 26-037
District Docket No. XIV-2025-0298E
In the Matter of George L. Rodriguez Docket No. DRB 26-038
District Docket No. XIV-2025-0193E
These matters are scheduled to be reviewed by the Board on Thursday, April 16, 2026. R. 1:20-4(f) provides that an attorney-respondent’s failure to timely file a conforming 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 the default may be filed with the Board by no later than March 16, 2026. MOTIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NOT BE REVIEWED BY THE BOARD. The motion should (1) specify why the attorney-respondent failed to file a timely, conforming answer (including lack of notice), and (2) set forth any claimed meritorious defenses to the ethics charges. The motion also must be simultaneously served on the Director of the Office of Attorney Ethics and, where appropriate, the district ethics committee responsible for the underlying ethics matter. A certification regarding that service must accompany any documents filed with the Board.
Respondent is hereby advised that, generally, in a default matter, the discipline is enhanced to reflect a respondent’s failure to cooperate with disciplinary authorities as an aggravating factor. In re Kivler, 193 N.J. 332, 338 (2008).
Respondent may communicate with the Board by contacting the Office of Board Counsel at:
P.O. Box 962, Trenton, NJ 08625, Telephone: 609-815-2920, E-Mail: DRB.MBX@njcourts.gov.
Document Date: Feb. 27, 2026
Publish Date: Feb. 27, 2026