Disciplinary Proceedings

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Case Name: Office of Lawyer Regulation v. James M. Schoenecker

Case No.: 2015AP275-D

Lawyer license suspended for 1 year for dishonest behavior.

“The present case bears enough similarities to Cotter that we find its principles should apply here. Both Attorney Cotter and Attorney Schoenecker had previously received lengthy suspensions related, at least in part, to dishonest behavior. After receiving these suspensions, and before being reinstated from these suspensions, both Attorney Cotter and Attorney Schoenecker engaged in additional dishonest behavior unrelated to the practice of law. Attorney Cotter used a false name on an application for a driver’s license; Attorney Schoenecker misused the funds of a limited liability company that he helped to form. By their actions, both lawyers displayed behaviors that reflected poorly on their honesty and integrity. A one-year suspension for such behavior was within the range of reasonableness for Attorney Cotter, and the same holds true for Attorney Schoenecker.”

ABRAHAMSON, J. concurs and dissents, joined by BRADLEY, A. W., J.

Attorney Derek A. Hawkins is the managing partner at Hawkins Law Offices LLC, where he heads up the firm’s startup law practice. He specializes in business formation, corporate governance, intellectual property protection, private equity and venture capital funding and mergers & acquisitions. Check out the website at www.hawkins-lawoffices.com or contact them at 262-737-8825.