Cheese, Sausage And Reinstatement To Practice

The Wisconsin Supreme Court rejected a referee’s unfavorable recommendation and granted the reinstatement of an attorney on the third try.

The attorney was admitted in 1975 and agreed to revocation in 1992. He had converted $550,000 in funds from Milwaukee Cheese Wisconsin, Inc. and Sheboygan Sausage, Inc. He had been appointed to represent these entities in bankruptcy proceedings. He also had embezzled funds from his mother’s living trust.

He pleaded guilty to federal offenses and was sentenced to 27 months in prison.

Although the court found the misconduct “reprehensible,” it concluded that reinstatement was appropriate. Notably, he has yet to make full restitution.

Justice Prosser dissented. (Mike Frisch)