In the Matter of Disciplinary Proceedings Against Michael F. Swensen

Summary

The Supreme Court of Wisconsin imposed reciprocal discipline on Michael F. Swensen after the Minnesota Supreme Court disbarred him for misconduct involving client funds, false documents and statements, and improper business transactions with a client. The court approved the parties’ stipulation and revoked Swensen’s Wisconsin law license, effective July 31, 2008.

Holdings

1. The Wisconsin Supreme Court must impose identical reciprocal discipline under SCR 22.22 unless one of the specified exceptions is established; because Swensen stipulated that he did not claim any exception, revocation of his Wisconsin law license was warranted.
2. Failure to notify the Office of Lawyer Regulation within 20 days of the effective date of public discipline imposed by another jurisdiction constitutes misconduct.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Wisconsin should impose reciprocal discipline identical to the discipline imposed by the Minnesota Supreme Court.
2. Whether any exception under SCR 22.22(3) warranted imposing discipline different from Minnesota's disbarment.

Disposition

other