
    In the MATTER OF Neil S. BHATIA, an Attorney at Law (Attorney No. 044352003)
    D-154 September Term 2017 081413
    Supreme Court of New Jersey.
    October 31, 2018
    ORDER
   The Disciplinary Review Board having filed with the Court its decision in DRB 17-451, concluding that as a matter of final discipline pursuant to Rule 1:20-13, Neil S. Bhatia of Greenwich, Connecticut, who was admitted to the bar of this State in 2003, should be suspended from the practice of law for a period of six months based on respondent's plea of guilty in California to misdemeanor battery, conduct that constitutes a violation of RPC 8.4(b) (criminal act that reflects adversely on the lawyer's honesty, trustworthiness or fitness as a lawyer);

And good cause appearing;

It is ORDERED that Neil S. Bhatia is suspended from the practice of law for a period of six months, effective November 29, 2018, and until the further Order of the Court; and it is further ORDERED that respondent comply with Rule 1:20-20 dealing with suspended attorneys; and it is further

ORDERED that pursuant to Rule 1:20-20(c), respondent's failure to comply with the Affidavit of Compliance requirement of Rule 1:20-20(b)(15) may (1) preclude the Disciplinary Review Board from considering respondent's petition for reinstatement for a period of up to six months from the date respondent files proof of compliance; (2) be found to constitute a violation of RPC 8.1(b) and RPC 8.4(d) ; and (3) provide a basis for an action for contempt pursuant to Rule 1:10-2; and it is further

ORDERED that the entire record of this matter be made a permanent part of respondent's file as an attorney at law of this State; and it is further

ORDERED that respondent reimburse the Disciplinary Oversight Committee for appropriate administrative costs and actual expenses incurred in the prosecution of this matter, as provided in Rule 1:20-17.  