The New Jersey Supreme Court has suspended the law license of William Baroni Jr., one of the key figures behind the Bridgegate scandal that ultimately upended Gov. Chris Christie's presidential aspirations.

In an order released Thursday, the court suspended Baroni's license effective immediately, pending the outcome of anticipated disciplinary proceedings in which he could be disbarred.

Jason Saunders, first assistant counsel to the state Office of Attorney Ethics, said in a certification to the court that a suspension is automatic under Rule 1:20-13(b)(1). That rule says a lawyer will be suspended after a conviction for a “serious crime.”