Fitchburg mayor challenging recommendation for public reprimand

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A Madison attorney who is also the mayor of Fitchburg is challenging a recommendation that he be publicly reprimanded.

The Office of Lawyer Regulation filed charges last year against Jason Gonzalez, who was then an alderman. The OLR alleged Gonzalez had committed nine counts of misconduct arising from his handling of two clients’ cases, including failing to do legal research, failing to communicate with a client and failing to diligently pursue a client’s case.

The OLR had asked that the Wisconsin Supreme Court publicly reprimand Gonzalez, who filed an answer denying the charges.

The OLR and Gonzalez, represented by Peyton Engel of Hurley Burish & Stanton, Madison, presented evidence at a hearing on Aug. 31 before the referee James Boll.

Boll filed a report last month finding that Gonzalez had only committed five of the nine alleged counts of misconduct but nevertheless recommended that Gonzalez be publicly reprimanded.

Gonzalez filed notice on Monday that he was appealing Boll’s findings.

Ultimately, the Wisconsin Supreme Court will issue a final decision on both matters. Follow @erikastrebel