Professional Responsibility — revocation

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Wisconsin Supreme Court

Civil

Professional Responsibility — revocation

Where attorney Alexis L. Michael engaged in aggravated conduct to avoid paying employees’ wages and contractors’ fees, engaged in slander and failed to pay bar dues, revocation is appropriate.

“Revocation of an attorney’s license to practice law is the most severe sanction this court can impose. It is reserved for the most egregious cases. Although Attorney Michael had a license to practice law for only three years before her license was suspended for nonpayment of State Bar dues, during that short timeframe, she engaged in repeated, aggravated, and sometimes disturbing conduct that demonstrates she is apparently unable to conform her conduct to the standards expected of all members of the Wisconsin bar. In light of the extremely aggravated nature of the misconduct, we conclude that no sanction short of revocation would be sufficient to protect the public, achieve deterrence, and impress upon Attorney Michael the seriousness of her misconduct. We also agree that Attorney Michael should be assessed the full costs of the proceeding.”

2008AP2337-D OLR v. Michael

Per Curiam.

Attorneys: For Complainant: Weigel, William J., Madison; For Respondent: Fischer, Joseph F., Watertown; Michael, Alexis L., Milwaukee