Professional Responsibility — revocation

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Wisconsin Supreme Court

Civil

Professional Responsibility — revocation

Where attorney Donald A. Hahnfeld has a lengthy disciplinary history, converted client funds, and failed to perform as a responsible attorney, revocation is appropriate.

“Turning to the issue of the appropriate level of discipline, we determine that Attorney Hahnfeld’s license to practice law in Wisconsin should be revoked. We note that this is the fifth disciplinary proceeding against Attorney Hahnfeld, and that he has now been disciplined for the same types of misconduct on multiple occasions. He has therefore demonstrated that he is unable to conform his conduct to the rules of professional conduct for attorneys in this state. As the referee noted, even when representing himself in this proceeding with his license status at issue, he failed to perform as a responsible attorney, ignoring the need to develop a defense substantiated by documentary evidence, to appear for court proceedings, and to file briefs, exhibit lists, etc., as requested by the referee. Moreover, of great importance to our determination is the referee’s finding that Attorney Hahnfeld took $58,000 of his client’s money and produced no benefit for the client. Indeed, he converted $28,000 of his client’s money to his own personal uses without his client’s knowledge. He has therefore demonstrated that he is not currently fit to hold a license to practice law in this state and to represent members of the public in important legal matters.”

2011AP1570-D OLR v. Hahnfeld

Per Curiam.

Attorneys: For Complainant: Weigel, William J., Madison; MacArthur, Anne, Madison; For Respondent: Hahnfeld, Donald A., West Allis