Beloit attorney, OLR reach agreement

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A Beloit lawyer who has admitted to allegations of professional misconduct has reached an agreement with lawyer-regulators.

The Office of Lawyer Regulation filed a complaint in September charging Suzanne Kitto with five counts of misconduct, all of which stemmed from collection work she had done starting in 2013 on a land contract for a couple.

According to the allegations, she had used more that $10,000 from her trust account to pay her real-estate taxes, office rent and personal debts. The OLR alleges much of that money belongs to the couple and that Kitto still owes a client $1,674.93. The OLR sought a 60-day suspension of her license and called on the Wisconsin Supreme Court to order her to pay restitution.

Kitto filed an answer to the charges in October, admitting to the five rule violations alleged by the OLR but contending that she had already paid more than $10,300 in restitution to the clients named in the complaint.

The Supreme Court appointed William Eich in November to be the referee who will preside over the proceeding.

According to documents filed on Jan. 19, Kitto and the OLR are asking Eich to approve an agreement in which Kitto agreed to let the referee use the allegations laid out in the complaint. The OLR has dropped its request for restitution, having confirmed with the client that full restitution was paid.

Kitto and the OLR have also stipulated that the only matter in question is what disciplinary measures ought to be imposed. Kitto has contended that the punishment should be a public reprimand, which would not cause her to be barred from practicing law. Any final decision in the case would merely be made a public record.

The OLR, on the other hand, had recommended a 60-day license suspension.

Should Eich approve the stipulation, Eich will, after the parties provides briefs the matter, recommend what disciplinary action is appropriate. Kitto would be able to appeal Eich’s recommendations.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court would review Eich’s recommendations and issue a final decision in the matter.

Kitto is representing herself. The OLR is being represented by its assistant litigation counsel, John Payette. Follow @erikastrebel