Kenneth Vercammen & Associates, P.C.
2053 Woodbridge Avenue - Edison, NJ 08817
(732) 572-0500 www.njlaws.com
Kenneth Vercammen was included in the “Super Lawyers” list published by Thomson Reuters

Sunday, January 10, 2016

STATE OF NEW JERSEY VS. DAVID HUDSON A-2943-14T4

STATE OF NEW JERSEY VS. DAVID HUDSON
          A-2943-14T4
In this interlocutory matter, we review an order disqualifying counsel and his firm from representing defendant,
page3image17408 page3image17568 page3image17728 page3image17888 page3image18048
The State moves for conflict of interest the ten Newark police officers
a former Newark
disqualification
resulted because one of
identified by the State as possible witnesses was counsel's

  police
alleging
officer.
an actual


former client. Additionally, the State alleges counsel had a current conflict based on an appearance of impropriety as he was an attorney for the Newark Fraternal Order of Police lodge, in which the Newark police officers are members.
We reverse the order and remand for further proceedings, concluding the record did not support the finding or existence of an actual conflict of interest. Further, the trial judge erred in grounding his determination of a potential conflict on the appearance of impropriety. We hold the appearance of impropriety standard may not be used as a basis to find a conflict of interest under RPC 1.7 or 1.9. In re Supreme Court Advisory Comm. on Prof'l Ethics Op. No. 697, 188 N.J. 549, 563 n.5, 568 (2006).