Suspension For Law Firm Embezzlement

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has imposed a two-year suspension of an attorney who embezzled from his law firm

 Attorney Koenig accepted payments from the firm’s clients without the firm’s knowledge and then cashed those checks at Summit Credit Union where he maintained an account.  He also received money for legal work that he performed for acquaintances who paid him directly.  Attorney Koenig normally performed such work during regular law firm office hours and he used the firm’s equipment, supplies, and staff.  Although a Kohls firm attorney would have been permitted to perform work for family or perhaps close friends at no charge, it was understood by the firm’s employees that any legal work performed by an employee should be reported to the firm.  It was also understood by the firm’s employees that all billings for legal work should be reported to the firm.

Attorney Koenig received other funds for honorariums and reimbursements for presenting continuing legal education programs or public workshops that he also did not turn over to the firm. 

The attorney stipulated to the misconduct and agreed with the sanction. The diverted fees amounted to nearly $40,000. (Mike Frisch)