Supreme Court revokes Milton’s attorney license

The Wisconsin Supreme Court revoked the law license of a Milton attorney due to extensive misconduct, including the conversion of large client funds and multiple false representations.

The Office of Lawyer Regulation recommended revoking the law license of Guy K. Fish for five years. Fish waived his right to contest the 17 counts of misconduct, acknowledging he cannot defend against them successfully.

The 17 counts stem from three separate matters and converting $671,545 in client funds. Fish, who admitted to the Wisconsin bar in 1981, was temporarily suspended on June 25, 2025, due to his practice posing a threat to public and judicial interests. His suspension was extended on Oct. 23, 2025.

Counts 1-8 involve estate funds from a probate proceeding, totaling approximately $100,000. Fish falsely claimed to his clients that he maintained a trust account that earned interest. Instead, he deposited the estate funds into his business account. He filed false court documents and provided false explanations regarding the funds’ status. Fish later failed to comply with court orders to return the estate funds and was held in contempt. He reimbursed the estate after the misconduct was discovered.

Counts 9-13 involve a real estate transaction with two of his clients. Fish deposited sales proceeds into his personal or business accounts instead of trust accounts. Checks totaling $373,598 were made payable to Fish after he falsely claimed to be the “closing agent.” Fish told his clients that he loaned the funds to another client and provided false excuses for not delivering the funds. He also failed to promptly deliver closing proceeds, violating trust and honesty rules. Fish paid over $200,000 to settle a civil lawsuit filed by the clients related to the real estate transaction.

The final counts of misconduct — 14-17 — involve the sale of a condominium for two clients. Fish deposited $195,947.73 into his personal or business accounts instead of trust accounts. He failed to provide written fee agreements and falsely claimed to hold funds in trust. Fish further delayed and provided false excuses for not delivering sales proceeds. He admitted to converting the funds and fabricating reasons for delays. The clients sued Fish, resulting in a repayment of more than $200,000.

The court immediately revoked Fish’s license, but he can petition for reinstatement after five years. The court said revocation in this case aligns with precedent involving similar misconduct.

Justice Annette Ziegler wrote in a concurring opinion that Wisconsin’s “revocation” is not permanent since it can be petitioned for reinstatement after five years. She expressed concern about the perception of “permanent revocation” and suggested that true permanent revocation should be rare.

Ziegler said there should be clarity in disciplinary language to avoid misconceptions about the permanency of license revocation.