In the interconnected world of legal licensing, misconduct in one state can trigger a “domino effect” across all other states where an attorney holds a license. For Daniel Goldsmith Ruggiero (Attorney No. 004742007), a history of unethical practices in New England has resulted in formal disciplinary action by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
Effective October 10, 2025, the Court issued an order suspending Ruggiero from the practice of law for three months. This action serves as reciprocal discipline following a major investigation into his mortgage relief services and firm management.
The Core Misconduct: Predatory Mortgage Relief Practices
The disciplinary case against Ruggiero (Docket No. DRB 24-290) centered on his participation in a scheme with non-lawyers to collect illegal fees from vulnerable homeowners facing foreclosure in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
1. Violations of Federal and State Regulations
The Disciplinary Review Board (DRB) found that Ruggiero violated the Mortgage Assistance Relief Services (MARS) regulations. These federal rules prohibit attorneys from collecting advance fees for mortgage modifications unless certain strict criteria are met—criteria that Ruggiero’s firm consistently ignored.
2. Systematic Deception and Neglect
The investigation revealed a pattern of conduct that compromised the interests of his clients:
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Gross Neglect: Ruggiero failed to provide actual legal work for many of the homeowners he represented, often delegating tasks to unsupervised non-lawyers.
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Fee Sharing with Non-Lawyers: He admitted to sharing legal fees with non-lawyer entities, a direct violation of RPC 5.4(a).
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Misleading Communications: His firm utilized an impermissible firm name and letterhead (“Ruggiero & Associates”) that falsely implied he was part of a larger organization rather than a sole practitioner.
A Multi-State Disciplinary Record
Daniel Ruggiero’s 2025 suspension in New Jersey is the latest in a series of disciplinary actions that have essentially halted his practice across the Eastern Seaboard:
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Massachusetts (March 2023): Suspended for one year and one day by the Supreme Judicial Court.
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Pennsylvania (June 2023): Issued a reciprocal suspension of one year and one day.
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Maine (November 2023): Reciprocal discipline imposed following the Massachusetts findings.
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New York (October 2024): Suspended for one year and one day.
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Rhode Island (April 2025): Reciprocal suspension ordered by the Rhode Island Supreme Court.
New Jersey Sanctions and Reinstatement Terms
The New Jersey Supreme Court’s final order (Case No. 090770) carries strict mandates to protect the public during and after his suspension:
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Three-Month Active Suspension: Ruggiero is prohibited from practicing law in New Jersey until further order of the Court.
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Affidavit of Compliance: He must comply with Rule 1:20-20, which requires him to notify all clients of his suspension and file an affidavit confirming he has done so. Failure to comply can result in an additional six-month delay in his potential reinstatement.
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Administrative Costs: Ruggiero was ordered to reimburse the Disciplinary Oversight Committee for the costs incurred during the prosecution of this matter.
Conclusion: A Warning to the Bar
The case of Daniel Goldsmith Ruggiero highlights the judiciary’s increasing intolerance for “foreclosure rescue” schemes. In its ruling, the New Jersey Supreme Court specifically signaled a new, enhanced disciplinary approach toward attorneys who violate MARS regulations, noting that such misconduct is becoming “increasingly common.” For legal consumers, this case underscores the importance of verifying an attorney’s Recent Disciplinary Actions before engaging them for high-risk services like mortgage modification.
