Duties of attorneys

(1) Pursuant to SCR 20:8.5(a), an attorney admitted to practice law or practicing law in Wisconsin is subject to the lawyer regulation system, whether he or she practices in Wisconsin or in other jurisdictions and regardless of where the attorney's conduct occurs. (2) A license to practice law authorizes a person to practice law and to participate in the administration of justice. It is the duty of every attorney to act in conformity with standards imposed upon attorneys as conditions of the privilege to practice law set forth in SCR chapter 20: rules of professional conduct for attorneys. (3) An attorney has the duty to refer a member of the public who wishes to communicate an inquiry about or a grievance against an attorney to the director. (4) Every attorney shall cooperate with the office of lawyer regulation in the investigation, prosecution and disposition of grievances, complaints filed with or by the director, and petitions for reinstatement. An attorney's wilful failure to cooperate with the office of lawyer regulation constitutes violation of the rules of professional conduct for attorneys. (5) An attorney found guilty or convicted of any crime on or after July 1, 2002, shall notify in writing the office of lawyer regulation and the clerk of the Supreme Court within 5 days after the finding or conviction, whichever first occurs. The notice shall include the identity of the attorney, the date of finding or conviction, the 154 offenses, and the jurisdiction. An attorney’s failure to notify the office of lawyer regulation and clerk of the supreme court of being found guilty or his or her conviction is misconduct.