In the Matter of Disciplinary Proceedings Against Thad M. Gegner

Summary

The Wisconsin Supreme Court granted Thad M. Gegner's petition for consensual license revocation and revoked his Wisconsin law license. The court ordered him to pay specified restitution, reimburse the Wisconsin Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection, and pay the full costs of the disciplinary proceeding.

Holdings

1. The court granted Gegner's petition for consensual license revocation after determining that the record established clear, satisfactory, and convincing evidence of the alleged professional misconduct and that Gegner knowingly and voluntarily waived his right to contest the allegations.
2. Revocation of Gegner's Wisconsin law license was warranted because the widespread and serious misconduct harmed clients, demonstrated an inability or unwillingness to conform to professional standards, and required protection of the public and court system.
3. Gegner was required to pay specified restitution to former clients, American Family Mutual Insurance Company, and the Wisconsin Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection, including $1,000 reimbursing the Fund for its payment to Michelle A.
4. Gegner was required to pay the full costs of the proceeding, $2,019.58 as of October 31, 2016.
5. A referee's factual findings are reviewed for clear error, legal conclusions are reviewed de novo, and the Supreme Court independently determines the appropriate discipline.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the court should accept Gegner's petition for consensual revocation of his Wisconsin law license.
2. Whether revocation, rather than a lesser sanction, was the appropriate discipline for the admitted misconduct.
3. Whether Gegner should be ordered to pay restitution to former clients and the Wisconsin Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection, including a later Fund payment not addressed in the revocation petition.
4. Whether Gegner should be ordered to pay the full costs of the disciplinary proceeding.

Disposition

other