John Rosenbaum

DCCA Opinion (October 28, 2021)

Summary: In re John E. Rosenbaum. Bar No. 457617. October 28, 2021. The D.C. Court of Appeals disbarred Rosenbaum and ordered that as a condition of reinstatement, he pay restitution in the amount of $100,000, with statutory interest. While acting as a fiduciary in an estate matter in Pennsylvania, Rosenbaum violated Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct 1.5(a), 1.15(b), 1.15(e), 8.4(a), 8.4(b), 8.4(c), and 8.4(d) by charging excessive fees; commingling and intentionally misappropriating entrusted funds; failing to promptly deliver funds and provide accountings; assisting another to violate the Pennsylvania rules; committing a crime (18 U.S.C. § 1343 — wire fraud); engaging in dishonesty, fraud, deceit, and misrepresentation; and interfering with the administration of justice.

DCCA Order (October 13, 2021)

Summary: Rosenbaum was suspended on an interim basis pursuant to D.C. Bar R. XI, § 9(g), pending final action on the Board on Professional Responsibility’s July 15, 2021, recommendation of disbarment, with reinstatement conditioned upon restitution.

Board Report and Orders (July 15, 2021)

Summary: In re John E. Rosenbaum. Bar No. 457617. July 15, 2021. The Board on Professional responsibility recommended that the D.C. Court of Appeals disbar Rosenbaum for intentional misappropriation with reinstatement conditioned upon restitution. This matter arises from Rosenbaum's role as a fiduciary to the estate of a Pennsylvania resident who died intestate, in which he assisted a friend, who served as special counsel to the estate, with distributing funds to heirs in France. Rosenbaum violated Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct 1.5(a), 1.15(b), 1.15(e), 8.4(a), 8.4(b), 8.4(c), and 8A(d) concerning excessive fees; commingling and intentional misappropriation; failure to promptly deliver funds and provide accounting; assisting another to violate Rules; committing a crime; dishonesty, fraud, deceit, and misrepresentation; and conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.

Hearing Committee Report (February 22, 2021)

Summary: Not yet available.

Answer (March 10, 2020)

Specification of Charges (January 21, 2020)