2008AP976-D OLR v. Boyd

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Professional Responsibility
Suspension

Where attorney Joan M. Boyd kept unearned retainers and neglected client matters, a six month suspension is appropriate.

"We approve the referee's recommended sanction with one modification. To impose the suspension directly following the date her previous suspension expired would in effect be a suspension retroactive to August 2008. A retroactive suspension is generally not favored in the absence of some compelling circumstance, and no compelling circumstance is shown here. Although we take into account the referee's recommendation as to discipline, we do not accord the referee's recommendation any conclusive weight. In re Disciplinary Proceedings Against Widule, 2003 WI 34, ¶44, 261 Wis. 2d 45, 660 N.W.2d 686. It is this court's responsibility to determine the appropriate discipline to be imposed for an attorney's misconduct. Id. Based on the seriousness of the misconduct and Attorney Boyd's disciplinary history, we impose a six-month license suspension effective the date of this decision."

2008AP976-D OLR v. Boyd

Per Curiam.

Attorneys: For Appellant: Krohn, Robert G., Edgerton; Weigel, William J., Madison; For Respondent: Boyd, Joan M., Shawano

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