Office of Lawyer Regulation v. Patrick M. Cooper

Summary

The Wisconsin Supreme Court conditionally reinstates Patrick M. Cooper's license to practice law after reviewing a referee's recommendation under SCR 22.33(3). The court requires two years of practice monitoring, a written compliance plan, quarterly reports, and payment of reinstatement proceeding costs. The court also maintains an existing administrative suspension until unpaid mandatory bar dues are resolved.

Holdings

1. The court will adopt a referee's findings of fact unless they are clearly erroneous.
2. Cooper met his burden of proving by clear, satisfactory, and convincing evidence that he satisfied the requirements for reinstatement of his Wisconsin law license.
3. Cooper's license should be reinstated conditionally, subject to two years of attorney monitoring, practice-management requirements, cooperation with the monitor, and compliance with all terms of the order.
4. Cooper must pay the full costs of the reinstatement proceeding because no extraordinary circumstances warranted a reduction.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Cooper satisfied the statutory and Supreme Court Rule requirements for reinstatement of his Wisconsin law license.
2. Whether Cooper's reinstatement should be subject to conditions, including attorney monitoring and practice-management requirements.
3. Whether Cooper should be assessed the full costs of the reinstatement proceeding.

Disposition

other