Professional Responsibility — suspension

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Wisconsin Supreme Court

Civil

Professional Responsibility — suspension

Where attorney Michael W. Steinhafel committed numerous acts of misconduct, a four-month suspension is appropriate.

“There is no showing that any referee’s findings of fact are clearly erroneous. Accordingly, we adopt them. We also agree with the referee’s conclusions of law that Attorney Steinhafel violated the various rules of professional conduct as alleged in the OLR’s complaint. We agree with the referee that a four-month suspension of Attorney Steinhafel’s license to practice law in Wisconsin is an appropriate sanction for his misconduct. Because this case presents no extraordinary circumstances, we further determine that Attorney Steinhafel should be required to pay the full costs of this matter. See SCR 22.24(1m) (supreme court’s general policy upon a finding of misconduct is to impose all costs upon the respondent attorney). We note the OLR is not seeking restitution.”

2012AP1826-D OLR v. Steinhafel

Per Curiam.

Attorneys: For Complainant: Herman, Gregg M., Milwaukee; Weigel, William J., Madison; For Respondent: Steinhafel, Michael W., pro se