Opinion ID: 2587576
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Second disciplinary complaint

Text: A second disciplinary complaint was filed after the first complaint, and contained one count. This count alleged violations of SCR 151 (competence), SCR 172 (candor toward the tribunal), SCR 182 (communication with person represented by counsel), SCR 197 (communication with prospective clients) and SCR 203(4) (conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice). The charges were based on Schaefer's conduct during litigation between Schaefer and Mirage Resorts, Inc. Schaefer filed two lawsuits on his own behalf against Mirage Resorts, Inc., and its subsidiaries. The claims asserted were based on Mirage's refusal to extend credit to Schaefer, and its decision to bar Schaefer from all Mirage properties. While these cases were pending, Schaefer was specifically instructed by general counsel for Mirage Resorts, Inc., to direct all communication through him. Despite this instruction, Schaefer repeatedly sent letters to various representatives of the Mirage companies, including the Mirage Resorts CEO, the Mirage Resorts secretary, the Bellagio general counsel, who had been named as a defendant in one of the suits, the Bellagio president, the Mirage general counsel, and two attorneys in the Mirage general counsel's office. All of the communications referred to the pending cases; some also mentioned that Schaefer owned Mirage stock. The panel found that Schaefer violated SCR 182 by communicating directly with officers, directors and employees of the Mirage concerning the pending litigation.