Attorney Disciplinary Hearing

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WI Supreme Court

Case Name: Office of Lawyer Regulation v. James T. Runyon

Case No.: 2020 WI 74

Focus: Attorney Disciplinary Hearing

We review Referee L. Michael Tobin’s report recommending that the court declare Attorney James T. Runyon in default and revoke his license to practice law in Wisconsin for professional misconduct. The referee also recommends that Attorney Runyon make restitution to the Wisconsin Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection (Fund) and to certain clients.

No appeal has been filed so we review the referee’s report pursuant to Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 22.17(2). After review of the matter, we agree with the referee that, based on Attorney Runyon’s failure to answer the Office of Lawyer Regulation’s (OLR) complaint, the OLR is entitled to a default judgment. We further agree with the referee that revocation of Attorney Runyon’s license is an appropriate sanction for his professional misconduct. We agree that Attorney Runyon should be required to make restitution to the Fund and certain clients and, finally, we conclude that he should be assessed the full costs of this proceeding which are $1,080.34 as of June 26, 2020.

Attorney’s license revoked

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.