All attorneys engaged in the private practice of law are required to maintain their books and records in compliance with Rule 1:21-6. To ensure adherence to this rule, the New Jersey Supreme Court established the Random Audit Compliance Program in 1981. Administered by the Office of Attorney Ethics, this program conducts random audits of New Jersey attorneys’ books and records to verify compliance.

The primary goal of this program is educational. It aims to inform attorneys of their bookkeeping responsibilities, ensuring the proper maintenance of client funds. During this session, we will discuss the details of the program and help NJALA members understand what to expect if selected for a random audit.

In addition, we will explore the distinctions between a random audit and a disciplinary audit, which takes place during a disciplinary investigation under Rule 1:20-3.

We look forward to an informative session that will provide valuable insights into the auditing process and best practices for maintaining compliance.

CLM Recertification Credit: 1 hour in the subject area of Legal Industry/Business management

CLM Application Credit: 1 hour in the category of Organizational Development

CLM Application Credit for Functional Specialists: 1 hour in the subject area of Organizational Development toward the additional hours required of some Functional Specialists to fulfill the CLM application requirements.

Presented by Ryan Moriarty, Esq.- Office of Attorney Ethics

Ryan Moriarty is an Assistant Ethics Counsel and Statewide Ethics Coordinator with the Office of Attorney Ethics (“OAE”). In that position, Ryan is primarily tasked with the responsibility of supporting the near 600 volunteer members of the 18 District Ethics Committees who investigate, prosecute, and preside over attorney disciplinary matters. Through that position, Ryan teaches on topics related to attorney ethics and the intersection of ethics and technology in addition to trial skills and litigation.