The Audacity: Disbarred NJ Lawyer Allegedly Raked In $70,000 From Clients After Losing His License

Imagine, if you will, putting your trust, your very livelihood, into the hands of a legal professional, only to discover later that the person you relied upon had no legal right to represent you at all. It’s a truly unsettling thought, isn't it? Well, according to New Jersey authorities, this nightmare scenario became a reality for numerous clients in Toms River, thanks to a disbarred attorney who, they say, just kept on billing.

The individual at the center of this rather stunning tale is Glenn T. Carey. You see, Mr. Carey had his license to practice law revoked back in 2020. This wasn't a minor slap on the wrist; he was disbarred. The reason? Serious violations concerning his trust account – essentially, the misappropriation of client funds. When an attorney is disbarred, it means they are no longer permitted to offer legal services, represent clients, or, quite simply, act as a lawyer. That much seems pretty clear, right?

Yet, the Office of Attorney Ethics in New Jersey alleges that Mr. Carey didn't quite get the memo, or perhaps, chose to ignore it entirely. For years after his disbarment, from roughly 2020 through at least late 2023, he reportedly continued to operate, discreetly, mind you, within the legal world. He wasn't exactly hanging out a new shingle under his own name, which would have been far too obvious, one might assume.

Instead, the accusations suggest he found a rather convenient loophole, or at least what he thought was one. Carey allegedly worked through another firm, the "Law Offices of John F. McDonnell," a firm whose principal, John F. McDonnell, also had his own prior run-ins with legal suspensions. Talk about a questionable partnership, wouldn't you say?

Within this arrangement, Carey is said to have handled cases for unsuspecting individuals across various legal fields – think personal injury claims, real estate transactions, even sensitive estate matters. The clients, understandably, were completely in the dark about his disbarred status. They believed they were being represented by a legitimate attorney, often receiving bills under Carey's own name, as if nothing had changed. The sum authorities believe he illegally pocketed from these unwitting clients? A substantial $70,000.

This isn't just about money, though. It’s about a profound breach of trust, an exploitation of people in often vulnerable situations seeking legal recourse or assistance. The very foundation of the legal system relies on integrity and accountability, and when those are eroded, it affects everyone.

Now, the New Jersey Office of Attorney Ethics is taking decisive action. They are actively seeking a court order to hold Carey in contempt for his alleged disregard of the disbarment order. More importantly, they want to compel him to repay every penny he purportedly gained from these unauthorized legal activities. It’s a long road, perhaps, but one hopes that justice, in this particular instance, will not only be served but also bring some measure of restitution and closure to those who were so deeply misled.