Ethics & Professional Liability Defense

Ethics and Professional Liability Defense in New Jersey

The Ethics and Professional Liability Defense Practice Group focuses on protecting professionals whose licenses, reputations, and careers are under scrutiny. Co-chaired by Bonnie C. Frost and Patrick B. Minter, the group represents lawyers and other licensed professionals, including accountants, nurses and mental health professionals, throughout New Jersey in ethics investigations, disciplinary proceedings, financial audits, malpractice claims, and related regulatory matters.

Both Patrick and Bonnie bring a wealth of experience to the Ethics and Professional Liability Defense Practice Group. The Firm has defended numerous lawyers in a wide range of matters, legal malpractice actions, random audits and the defense of ethics grievances at each stage of the process, including before the New Jersey Supreme Court. In addition, Bonnie and Patrick are frequent lecturers on a range of topics including attorney trust accounting, attorney ethics and avoiding legal malpractice.

Random Trust Account Audit

New Jersey attorneys selected for a random trust account audit do not have to navigate the process alone. Bonnie and Patrick assist lawyers in preparing for and responding to audits conducted by the New Jersey Office of Attorney Ethics, and will work with you, your accounting staff, and other administrative personnel to walk you through the process – before audit day, during the audit, and remedying any post-audit deficiencies. If you receive an audit notice, knowledgeable guidance can make all the difference.

The group focuses on:

• Ethics and disciplinary investigations before New Jersey licensing authorities, including the Office of Attorney Ethics
• Professional responsibility counseling and compliance guidance
• Defense of financial audits, trust account reviews, and regulatory inquiries
• Legal malpractice defense and professional liability litigation
• Risk management counseling for law firms and licensed professionals
• Reputation protection strategies tied to disciplinary matters
• Law firm succession planning for solo and small law offices