In the legal profession, a voluntary resignation in the face of disciplinary proceedings is often the final chapter of a career. For Newark-based attorney Robert B. Davis (Attorney No. 001482005), this transition occurred on September 19, 2025, when the Supreme Court of New Jersey officially stripped him of his license to practice law.
Unlike a standard disbarment following a trial, Davis’s removal was a “Disbarment by Consent,” a process where an attorney admits they cannot successfully defend against pending charges of professional misconduct.
The Core Action: Consent to Disbarment
The disciplinary order (Docket No. 25-228 / Case No. 091204) followed a formal tender of consent by Davis under New Jersey Court Rule 1:20-10(a). While the specific granular details of the underlying grievance are often shielded in consent cases to expedite the removal process, the court’s order was absolute:
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Permanent Removal: Robert B. Davis is now barred from practicing law in New Jersey. His name has been stricken from the roll of attorneys.
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Asset Freeze: The Court ordered that all funds in New Jersey financial institutions maintained by Davis be transferred to the Clerk of the Superior Court to be held in the Superior Court Trust Fund.
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Compliance Requirements: Davis must comply with Rule 1:20-20, which dictates the strict obligations of disbarred attorneys, including notifying all current clients and ceasing all legal advertisements.
Professional Profile and History
Robert B. Davis was a well-known practitioner in the Newark area for two decades:
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Education: He graduated from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University in 2001.
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Admission: He was admitted to the New Jersey Bar in 2005.
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Practice Area: According to professional directories, he primarily focused on Chapter 13 Bankruptcy and consumer debt legal services in Essex County.
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Prior Record: His disciplinary history included a one-year suspension in September 2017 for similar issues involving professional conduct, though he was eventually reinstated in November of that same year before the 2025 disbarment.
Regional Impacts: Reciprocal Discipline
Attorney discipline in one state often triggers a “domino effect” in others. Because Davis was also licensed in other jurisdictions, his New Jersey disbarment has significant implications:
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Illinois Reciprocal Action: Following his New Jersey disbarment, the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission typically initiates reciprocal discipline. In late 2025, the Illinois Supreme Court issued its own order of disbarment based on the New Jersey findings.
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Colorado Suspension: In May 2025, just months before his New Jersey disbarment, Colorado authorities suspended Davis for over a year for conflicts of interest and dishonest conduct in a civil litigation matter.
Conclusion: Protecting the Public Interest
The disbarment of Robert B. Davis serves as a protective measure for the New Jersey public. By removing an attorney who acknowledges an inability to defend against ethical charges, the Supreme Court ensures that the integrity of the legal system remains intact. For his former clients in Newark, the transfer of his accounts to the Superior Court Trust Fund provides a mechanism for the eventual return of unearned fees or misappropriated property.
