Legal Question in Legal Malpractice in Wisconsin

The fact that the ethics authorities offered the lawyer a private reprimand might mean that this was a minor violation with limited fault on the part of the lawyer and without any sort of behavior which a lay person might interpret as dishonest. This is a common way of conveniently resolving minor matters for all parties concerned and a high percentage of lawyers might eventually have one or more of these during their careers. Many regulations imposed upon lawyers are complex and fast changing, particularly as to technical requirements for fee handling in very small cases, so even a very good lawyer could make a mistake which might run afoul of the rules. However, knowing nothing about this particular case, it is impossible to know the details and the private status of the reprimand means that the details will never be made public. I therefore would not be able to answer this question without knowing much more. If you are considering hiring such a lawyer, you could consider asking him or her whether he would reveal this information to you. Unlike you example, a public reprimand is also available and might relate to a more serious matter, the details of which would be published for the public to consider before hiring this lawyer. For gravely serious matters, there is an option available to authorities to disbar the lawyer, either temporarily or permanently, which likewise was not used if the case resulted in a private reprimand. My answer here does mean that I am representing you, so be sure to consult your own attorney before deciding on what you should do, or contact my office at 262-633-3090, 333 Main St, Racine, WI 53403, during business hours if you desire formal representation. See me on the web at www.jayknixonlaw.com, or view over 15 years of my previous answers at http://www.lawguru.com/answers/atty_profile/view_attorney_profile/jknixonAttorney answers may contain advertising materials.