In the legal community, the integrity of a law license is maintained through strict adherence to ethical standards. When those standards are breached, state supreme courts must act to protect the public. For Robbinsville and Hamilton-based attorney Paul C. Rubin (Attorney ID: 008191982), a four-decade legal career ended in late 2025 with a permanent removal from the bar.
Effective September 19, 2025, the Supreme Court of New Jersey issued an order of disbarment by consent for Paul C. Rubin, marking the finality of his professional standing in the state.
The Disciplinary Timeline: From Suspension to Disbarment
The path to disbarment for Paul C. Rubin was characterized by a rapid series of court actions over a one-year period:
1. Temporary Suspension (September 2024)
On September 17, 2024, the Supreme Court of New Jersey initially moved to temporarily suspend Rubin from the practice of law. This action was taken following a petition from the Office of Attorney Ethics (OAE) seeking immediate intervention.
2. Reciprocal Federal Action (November 2024)
Following the state-level suspension, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey followed suit. In November 2024, Chief Judge Renee Marie Bumb signed an order of reciprocal discipline, ensuring Rubin could not continue practicing in federal courts while his state license was under scrutiny.
3. Final Disbarment by Consent (September 2025)
Rather than contesting the full merits of the ethics charges against him, Rubin submitted a Consent to Disbarment under New Jersey Court Rule 1:20-10(a). By doing so, an attorney acknowledges that the allegations against them cannot be successfully defended.
The Impact of the Court Order
The New Jersey Supreme Court’s final order (Case No. 091203) carries several immediate and permanent mandates:
-
Name Stricken: Paul C. Rubin’s name has been permanently removed from the roster of attorneys in New Jersey.
-
Practice Enjoined: He is strictly prohibited from engaging in any legal practice, giving legal advice, or representing himself as an attorney.
-
Financial Trust Transfer: All funds held in attorney trust accounts or other financial institutions under his name are to be transferred to the Clerk of the Superior Court to be deposited into the Superior Court Trust Fund.
-
Administrative Reimbursement: Rubin was ordered to reimburse the Disciplinary Oversight Committee for the administrative costs incurred during the investigation.
Clarifying Identity: Distinguishing “Paul Rubin”
It is crucial to note that several prominent professionals share the name Paul Rubin, some of whom remain in excellent standing. Always verify an attorney’s identity through their unique state bar number to ensure you are viewing the correct record.
For example, while Paul C. Rubin of New Jersey has been disbarred, other attorneys named Paul Rubin in Washington D.C. or New York continue to maintain Active status with no record of discipline.
Conclusion: The Weight of Professional Responsibility
The disbarment of Paul C. Rubin serves as a protective measure for the New Jersey public. When an attorney with over 40 years of experience consents to disbarment, it underscores the uncompromising nature of the state’s ethical requirements. For clients and the broader community, the official Recent Disciplinary Actions portal provides the necessary transparency to ensure that only those currently fit to uphold the law are permitted to practice it.
