2006AP1021-D OLR v. Gral

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Professional Responsibility
Reinstatement

The license of attorney Michael A. Gral is reinstated.

"Although we share some of the concerns raised by the referee, particularly MBF's and the Bielinskis' strong opposition to the reinstatement petition, there is no basis on which to find that the referee's factual findings were clearly erroneous. Since the referee's conclusions of law flow from those factual findings, we agree that Attorney Gral should be reinstated to the practice of law in this state. We also concur with the referee that Attorney Gral's reinstatement should be subject to conditions. While Attorney Gral argues that the conditions proposed by the referee are too stringent, we find the alternate conditions proposed by Attorney Gral to be insufficient to ensure that he will not repeat the behavior that led to his criminal conviction and the suspension of his law license."

"We agree with Attorney Gral that the referee's proposed condition is overbroad. Prohibiting Attorney Gral from ever representing clients with whom members of his immediate family had real estate investment dealings could have a chilling effect on his practice and seems to go beyond what is required to ensure that Attorney Gral does not repeat his past mistakes. However, we do not agree with Attorney Gral's proposal that he should immediately be allowed to enter into business transactions with clients, provided he obtain conflict waivers and notify the OLR."

2006AP1021-D OLR v. Gral

Per Curiam.

Attorneys: For Complainant: Basting, Thomas J., Madison; Weigel, William J., Madison; For Respondent: Fishbach, Nathan A., Milwaukee; Lewandowski, Richard J., Madison; Gral, Michael A., Fox Point

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