In the Matter of Disciplinary Proceedings Against John R. Dade, Attorney at Law

Summary

The Wisconsin Supreme Court approved a stipulation in a disciplinary proceeding against Attorney John R. Dade and suspended his license to practice law for 60 days. The misconduct arose from failures to meet court-ordered filing deadlines and to respond to a divorce client's requests concerning a trial date, resulting in dismissal of the client's divorce case. The court imposed no costs and required compliance with Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 22.26.

Holdings

1. The court approved the comprehensive stipulation, adopted the stipulated facts and conclusions of law, and accepted the parties' agreement regarding discipline.
2. Attorney Dade committed professional misconduct by failing to act with reasonable diligence and promptness, knowingly disobeying obligations imposed by the tribunal, and failing to promptly comply with reasonable client requests for information.
3. A 60-day suspension of Attorney Dade's license to practice law in Wisconsin was an appropriate sanction.
4. No costs were imposed.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the Wisconsin Supreme Court should approve the parties' stipulation under SCR 22.12.
2. Whether a 60-day suspension of Attorney Dade's Wisconsin law license was an appropriate sanction for the stipulated professional misconduct.
3. Whether costs should be imposed when the parties submitted a comprehensive stipulation that obviated the need for a referee and a full disciplinary proceeding.

Disposition

other