Matter of Toronto

This disciplinary proceeding arises from a Motion for Final Discipline Based Upon a Criminal Conviction filed by the Office of Attorney Ethics (“OAE”) before the Disciplinary Review Board (“DRB”). The OAE moves for final discipline of Philip Toronto (“respondent”) pursuant to Rule 1:20-13(c)(2). It bases the motion on respondent’s guilty plea to simple assault on his wife, contrary to N.J.S.A 2C:12-1a(1). The conviction constitutes a violation of RPC 8.4(b), which states that it is professional misconduct for a lawyer to “commit a criminal act that reflects adversely on the lawyer’s honesty,…