Opinion ID: 2096988
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 19

Heading: Count 21: Former SCR 20:1.16(d); [14] Terminating representation.

Text: ¶ 35 The referee found that in a September 22, 2003, letter, A.S. wrote to Attorney Nunnery expressing dissatisfaction with the way her case had been handled and asking him to contact her. A.S. testified Attorney Nunnery never communicated with her after she sent this letter, and she never received any word from him indicating whether his representation would continue. The referee said [o]ther than telling [his client] to return to work after she received an AWOL [absent without official leave] notice, he took no effective action on her behalf. The referee found no evidence that Attorney Nunnery told A.S. if she would not follow his advice and report to work, he would no longer represent her. The referee concluded the evidence supported the client's version of the matter. ¶ 36 In his appeal of Case No. 2006AP1191-D, Attorney Nunnery challenges the sufficiency of the evidence to support the referee's fact findings with respect to all counts except counts 5, 7, and 8. While admitting violations charged in counts 5, 7, and 8, Attorney Nunnery asserts no harm resulted due to these violations, as well as the other violations. ¶ 37 Attorney Nunnery contends the OLR and the referee failed to appreciate the environment of handling a civil rights case and failed to analyze the complexities of discrimination claims. [15] Attorney Nunnery cites his years of experience in the area of civil rights litigation. He argues that all the client matters here involved complicated fact scenarios. He submits that Mr. and Mrs. D. had no prima facie case of discrimination. ¶ 38 Attorney Nunnery also argues the referee and the OLR have not performed a complete analysis of his communications with his clients. He says the record establishes Mr. and Mrs. D. were fully informed. He argues Mrs. D.'s credibility is lacking, citing examples of her inconsistent testimony. Attorney Nunnery also denies he misled the OLR staff. ¶ 39 Regarding his representation of L.G., Attorney Nunnery asserts that L.G. acknowledged discussions of various matters and had received information about the discrimination suits. With respect to client A.S., Attorney Nunnery contends he had achieved all that had been required within the scope of his representation, and that he acted reasonably in securing her reinstatement and back pay. ¶ 40 A referee's findings of fact are affirmed unless they are clearly erroneous. In re Disciplinary Proceedings Against Polich, 2005 WI 36, ¶ 25, 279 Wis.2d 266, 694 N.W.2d 367. The referee is best situated to judge the credibility of witnesses. Id. No deference is granted to the referee's conclusions of law, which we review de novo. Id., ¶ 4. We determine de novo the appropriate level of discipline, giving no conclusive weight to the referee's recommendation. In re Disciplinary Proceedings Against Widule, 2003 WI 34, ¶ 44, 261 Wis.2d 45, 660 N.W.2d 686. ¶ 41 We are satisfied the record supports the referee's findings and conclusions with respect to all 21 counts. Attorney Nunnery was not alleged to have provided an inadequate analysis of the merits of his clients' respective discrimination suits. We appreciate the complexities of civil rights litigation. For the most part, the disciplinary charges involve violations of rules requiring reasonable communication with clients, as well as truthful communication with the court and the OLR. We conclude the complexities of litigation should not relieve an attorney of the duty to keep a client reasonably informed about the status of a matter, to provide a client with explanations reasonably necessary to permit informed decisions, and to provide truthful information to a court as well as during an OLR investigation. ¶ 42 To the extent a witness's testimony may have revealed inconsistencies and disputes regarding the nature and extent of communications with Attorney Nunnery, it is the referee's function to resolve them. See In re Disciplinary Proceedings Against Arthur, 2005 WI 40, ¶ 53, 279 Wis.2d 583, 694 N.W.2d 910. Here, the referee specifically expressed her belief in the clients' versions of the events in question. She was entitled to do so. See In re Disciplinary Proceedings Against Pump, 120 Wis.2d 422, 426, 355 N.W.2d 248 (1984). The referee's findings supporting her conclusions of law have not been shown to be clearly erroneous. ¶ 43 Next, Attorney Nunnery argues that the referee's recommendation for a six-month license suspension is excessive. He contends a public reprimand would be sufficient discipline. See In re Disciplinary Proceedings Against Theobald, 2004 WI 59, 271 Wis.2d 690, 679 N.W.2d 804; see also In re Disciplinary Proceedings Against Kasprowicz, 2004 WI 151, 277 Wis.2d 96, 690 N.W.2d 13. He says no client suffered any harm. Also, although Attorney Nunnery does not specifically argue mitigating factors here, the record discloses the referee's consideration of Attorney Nunnery's significant personal and physical problems during the relevant time periods, including his hospitalization, as well as the illness and death of a member of his family. The referee noted Attorney Nunnery admitted that, as a sole practitioner, he had taken on more work than he could handle effectively. ¶ 44 As to the appropriate sanction, the court must first consider the seriousness of the misconduct. See In re Disciplinary Proceedings Against Charlton, 174 Wis.2d 844, 875-76, 498 N.W.2d 380 (1993). The court must also consider the need to protect the public, the courts, and the legal system from the attorney's repetition of misconduct, to impress upon the attorney the seriousness of the misconduct, and to deter other attorneys from engaging in similar misconduct. In the case of In re Disciplinary Proceedings Against Brandt, 184 Wis.2d 611, 516 N.W.2d 418 (1994), a 6-month suspension was imposed for 19 rules violations with respect to diligence, communication, competency, failing to protect a client's interest on termination of representation, and failing to cooperate with the OLR. ¶ 45 Here, the referee found 21 counts of misconduct, a number greater than found in the Theobald (13 counts) and Kasprowicz (16 counts) cases upon which Attorney Nunnery relies. Also, unlike Attorney Nunnery's history, the attorneys in Theobald and Kasprowicz had never been previously disciplined. In addition, we find unpersuasive Attorney Nunnery's contention that no harm was done. The referee found and the record discloses the frustration and stress suffered when clients did not receive reasonable information and explanations from their attorney. Also, misleading communications or misrepresentations to clients, the OLR or a court impair the functioning of the legal system as a whole. Given the number and nature of the violations, Attorney Nunnery's prior disciplinary history, together with the mitigating factors referenced by the referee, we conclude a six-month suspension and costs should be imposed.