Notice - Supreme Court Adoption of 2024 Attorney Discipline Budget; Establishment of 2024 Annual Attorney Assessment

NOTICE TO THE BAR 

SUPREME COURT ADOPTION OF 2024 ATTORNEY DISCIPLINE BUDGET; ESTABLISHMENT OF 2024 ANNUAL ATTORNEY ASSESSMENT 

        The Supreme Court has approved a $28 increase in the disciplinary portion of the annual attorney assessment for 2024. The Court took this action in approving the 2024 Attorney Discipline Budget as unanimously recommended by the Disciplinary Oversight Committee ("DOC"). The Committee recommended that the disciplinary portion of the annual assessment for 2024 be raised from $1 73 to $201 for attorneys admitted to practice from three to forty-nine years. 

        This increase is largely attributable to a substantial increase in the fringe benefit rate ( established by Treasury and approved by the federal government), as well as the necessary staffing increase previously announced for the Office of Attorney Ethics (August 3, 2023 Notice). The staffing increase for the Office of Attorney Ethics was announced through prior Notices to the Bar, which indicated that, after a period of study, the Court has determined to increase staffing in measured ways to better protect the public, to preserve the integrity of the bar, and to support the work of its invaluable, 900-member volunteer corps. Specifically, the Court authorized the addition of staff to the Office of Attorney Ethics to enable more timely disposition of grievances, investigations, hearings, and subsequent proceedings. Through those prior Notices, the Court made clear that the addition of staff is a measure to alleviate unnecessary delays; it is not intended as a mechanism to increase the number of investigations or random audits. In fact, no new auditors or investigators were added as a result of the staffing review. Rather, the staff additions include attorneys and administrative support to handle the existing volume of cases more expeditiously. 

        The Court reviewed the Rule 1 :20B budget projections and process, which included a consideration of actual expenditures and revenues. The Court also took note of the DOC's observation that New Jersey's annual fee, even at the increased rate, remains far below the national average of $34 7. After careful consideration, the Court determined to adopt the 2024 Budget and the increase to the annual assessment as recommended by the Committee.