Notice - Disciplinary Review Board – Additional Default Schedule for Review on March 16, 2023.

The following additional matter has been certified to the Disciplinary Review Board as a default, in accordance with R. 1:20-4(f): 

In the Matter Christopher Michael Manganello 
Docket No. DRB 23-021 
District Docket Nos. IV-2021-0010E, IV-2021-0014E, IV-201-0027E, and IV-2022-0001E 

This matter is scheduled to be reviewed by the Board on Thursday, March 16, 2023. This matter has been added to the matters already listed in the Board's notice of February 6, 2023, which remains in effect. 

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 the default may be filed with the Board by no later than February 21, 2023. MOTIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NOT BE REVIEWED BY THE BOARD. The 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 charge.  The motion must also 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 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). 

P.O. Box 962, Trenton, NJ 08625, Telephone: 609-815-2920, E-Mail: DRB.MBX@njcourts.gov.