Attorney Disciplinary Hearing

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WI Supreme Court

Case Name: Office of Lawyer Regulation v. Diann P. Burton

Case No.: 2019 WI 30

Focus: Attorney Disciplinary Hearing

We review Referee Kim M. Peterson’s recommendation that the court declare Attorney Diann P. Burton in default and publicly reprimand her for professional misconduct in connection with her practice of law while her law license was suspended, and her improper use of a firm name for her solo practice. The referee also recommended that Attorney Burton pay the full costs of this proceeding, which total $533 as of January 15, 2019.

Because no appeal has been filed, we review the referee’s report pursuant to Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 22.17(2). After conducting our independent review of the matter, we agree with the referee that, based on Attorney Burton’s failure to answer the complaint filed by the Office of Lawyer Regulation (OLR), the OLR is entitled to a default judgment. We also agree with the referee that Attorney Burton’s professional misconduct warrants a public reprimand. Finally, we agree with the referee that Attorney Burton should be ordered to pay the full costs of the proceeding.

Attorney publicly reprimanded

Concur:

Dissent:

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Derek A Hawkins is trademark corporate counsel for Harley-Davidson. Hawkins oversees the prosecution and maintenance of the Harley-Davidson’s international trademark portfolio in emerging markets.