Minn. lawyer accepts reciprocal suspension in Wis.

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A Minnesota lawyer has been suspended from practicing law in Wisconsin for 90 days after being disciplined in his state for making false claims while representing clients.

Christopher Petros, who was admitted to the Wisconsin State Bar in 2009 but mainly practices in Shakope, Minn., lied about notifying clients of court proceedings, according to a complaint from the Minnesota Director of the Office of Lawyer Professional Responsibility.

In addition, when the office started to investigate the claims of several clients, he typed up new letters and said he previously sent them to the clients in question, according to the Minnesota OLPR.

The Minnesota Supreme Court in August suspended Petros for 90 days. The Wisconsin Supreme Court’s opinion, released Friday, states that its discipline is reciprocal. It will go into effect Feb. 3.

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According to the opinion, Petros agreed with Wisconsin’s Office of Lawyer Regulation that a suspension would be appropriate.

“I just took on way too many cases,” Petros said in an interview Friday.

Petros also said he took on many low-fee and pro bono cases. However, he has sought help to learn the warning signs of taking on too much work and to try to avoid making other missteps.

“When I go back,” he said, “it will be a lot less activity.” Follow @eheisigWLJ