A Hearing Preceded Reinstatement Of A Convicted Attorney

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has reinstated an attorney who had been suspended for two years as a result of a conspiracy to commit securities fraud conviction.

The petition was not opposed by the Office of Lawyer Regulation but there was (unlike in the recent D.C. Scooter Libby reinstatement) a public hearing

In March 2016, Attorney Kranitz filed a petition seeking reinstatement of his law license. In June 2016, the OLR filed a response stating it did not oppose the reinstatement petition. The referee conducted a public hearing in July 2016. At the hearing, Attorney Kranitz testified on his own behalf and called several witnesses, including several business associates, attorneys, and clients who knew, worked, or practiced law with him. The referee filed his report and recommendation in August 2016, recommending reinstatement. No appeal was filed…

The referee noted that several witnesses appeared on behalf of Attorney Kranitz, including attorneys who have known Attorney Kranitz for a long time, and former clients. The referee was particularly impressed by the clients’ testimony. They described the extremely high ethical, moral and character standards that Attorney Kranitz adhered to prior to the indictment. Although each of them was very surprised to hear of the indictment, they all testified that their exceedingly high opinion of Attorney Kranitz’s character had not decreased and that they would still use him as their attorney, and would refer other clients to him. They described him as an exceptionally qualified attorney who can render a valuable service to the small business community in Wisconsin. The two attorneys who testified in support of Attorney Kranitz’s reinstatement were equally laudatory in their testimony. They support his reinstatement petition and praised his extensive knowledge base, which they deem an asset to small businesses in this state.

The court agreed. (Mike Frisch)