In the Matter of Disciplinary Proceedings Against Sandra K. Coplien

Summary

The Wisconsin Supreme Court imposed reciprocal discipline on Sandra K. Coplien after the Illinois Supreme Court suspended her license for six months for professional misconduct. The court suspended her Wisconsin license for six months, ordered her to pay $1,407.68 in proceeding costs, and required compliance with duties applicable to suspended attorneys.

Holdings

1. When no timely appeal is filed in an attorney disciplinary proceeding, the Wisconsin Supreme Court independently reviews the referee's report and may adopt the referee's findings and conclusions.
2. An attorney suspended by another jurisdiction for professional misconduct is subject to reciprocal discipline in Wisconsin under SCR 22.22, absent an applicable exception.
3. Failure to notify the Office of Lawyer Regulation within 20 days of the effective date of another jurisdiction's discipline constitutes misconduct under SCR 22.22(1).

Questions Presented

1. Whether the Wisconsin Supreme Court should review and adopt the referee's unchallenged findings and conclusions under SCR 22.17(2).
2. Whether Coplien was subject to reciprocal discipline in Wisconsin under SCR 22.22 based on her Illinois suspension.
3. What discipline and costs should be imposed in Wisconsin.

Disposition

other