In the Matter of the Application of Donald G. Matthews for Admission to the Bar of New Jersey

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey held that it has inherent authority to review the Committee on Character’s certification of an applicant’s fitness and reversed the Committee’s certification of Donald G. Matthews, finding him unfit to be admitted to the bar. The Court concluded that Matthews’ involvement in a fraudulent investment scheme and his failure to file tax returns demonstrated a lack of honesty, trustworthiness, and other essential character traits, and that the evidence of rehabilitation was insufficient.