In the Matter of Belser

This disciplinary action charges Joseph Henry Belser, Jr., an attorney, with professional misconduct in the handling of legal matters entrusted him. The panel report and executive committee recommended the complaint be dismissed with a letter of caution. We disagree with the findings by the panel and executive committee and with the sanction recommended.

This grievance arose during a foreclosure action where Belser represented one of the defendants. Belser agreed to a continuance of the proceedings based on his asserted belief that he had to appear before the Supreme Court on the original date…