Deadlines Announced for Misconduct Claims Against NJ Attorneys

Important Deadlines Announced for Claims Against NJ Attorneys by Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection; Fund Seeks to Remedy Misconduct by Disbarred or Suspended Lawyers; Clients Urged to Act Before Deadlines

Michael T. McCormick, the director of the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection, today outlined critical deadlines for the filing of claims against a number of New Jersey attorneys deemed to have engaged in misconduct. This announcement targets claims that arise from dishonest acts, distinct from mere negligence, committed by formerly practicing lawyers across various counties in New Jersey.

The Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection serves to uphold the integrity of the legal profession by compensating clients who have fallen victim to the malpractices of a minority within the legal community. To be eligible for compensation, the involved attorney must have been licensed and actively practicing, or acting in a fiduciary capacity, at the time of the dishonest conduct. The attorney must also either be disbarred, suspended, placed on disability inactive status, or convicted of embezzlement or similar offenses for a claim to be considered.

Claims can be made within a one-year period following the formal disciplinary action against the attorney. It is essential for affected clients to understand that the attorney's discipline does not necessarily ensure compensation for their specific claims, as attorneys might be disciplined for various other reasons as well.

The fund provides substantial financial relief, with individual clients able to receive up to $400,000 and total claims against a single lawyer capped at $1.5 million. To file a claim, individuals should access the claim form online or contact the New Jersey Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection directly at their office in Trenton. The form needs to be completed, notarized, and submitted with any supporting documents, all without any filing fee.

For clients who need assistance with their claims, free legal representation is provided, ensuring that the process is as accessible as possible.

Here is the complete list of attorneys, their locations, and the deadlines for filing claims with the New Jersey Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection:

• Andrew G. Bitar, Bergen - Deadline: July 2, 2025
• Kenneth Chesebro, No available location - Deadline: September 9, 2025
• Padraic Brian Deighan, Camden - Deadline: September 16, 2025
• Tomas Espinosa, Hudson - Deadline: August 21, 2025
• William E. Gericke, Pennsylvania - Deadline: August 21, 2025
• Ronaldo C. George, Middlesex - Deadline: July 8, 2025
• Gary David Grant, Morris - Deadline: August 13, 2025
• Frances Ann Hartman, Burlington - Deadline: July 2, 2025
• Mary Elizabeth Lenti, Burlington - Deadline: July 3, 2025
• Dale Orlovsky, Ocean - Deadline: July 6, 2025
• Raymond Charles Osterbye, Monmouth - Deadline: August 21, 2025
• Michael T. Rave, Pennsville - Deadline: September 30, 2025
• Stelios Stoupakis, Englewood Cliffs - Deadline: July 29, 2025

Clients who believe they have been wronged are urged to act swiftly to ensure their claims are filed before the stated deadlines. The integrity of the legal profession and the interests of its clients are paramount, and the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection remains committed to safeguarding both through its diligent oversight and remediation efforts.