Professional Responsibility — suspension

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WI Supreme Court Digest, Civil Digest, Professional Responsibility DigestWhere attorney Ronald K. Niesen abandoned the practice of law, while he had existing clients, a 9-month suspension is appropriate.

“Indeed, Attorney Niesen had abandoned his practice of law. On July 28, 2009, Dane County Circuit Court Judge C. William Foust entered an order appointing an attorney to enter Attorney Niesen’s former law office ‘for the purpose of protecting [clients’] rights, files and property and delivering the files and property to the clients or to their successor counsel.’ The appointed attorney found files abandoned and in disarray, no computers, and piles of unanswered mail and trust account information. OLR contacted Attorney Niesen regarding his apparent abandonment of his law practice. In response, Attorney Niesen sent an e-mail to the OLR in August 2009, explaining he was ‘undergoing intense alcohol rehab’ and that he was basically destitute.”

“Attorney Niesen subsequently failed to respond to several OLR notices regarding the J.S. matter and was eventually suspended for his failure to respond to and cooperate with the OLR. Upon abandonment of his practice, Attorney Niesen never notified the State Bar of his new address and failed to take any action to contact existing clients or protect client files.”

2011AP47-D OLR v. Niesen

Per Curiam.

Attorneys: For Complainant: Weigel, William J., Madison; For Respondent: Niesen, Ronald K., Monona