Referees

(1) The referee panel consists of no more than 15 lawyers and reserve judges appointed by the supreme court. Referees shall be members of the State Bar of Wisconsin in good standing. Referees serve staggered four-year terms. A referee may be reappointed to serve 149 consecutive terms. If a referee's term ends while an assigned matter remains pending, the referee may oversee completion of the matter unless, on its own motion or on motion of the parties, the supreme court directs the appointment of a new referee. (2) Referees function under the supervision of the supreme court. (3) The duties of a referee are: (a) To preside over and conduct hearings on complaints of attorney misconduct, on petitions alleging attorney medical incapacity, and on petitions for license reinstatement, and to issue orders necessary to advance the proceeding. (b) To make written and recommendations, and to submit them to the supreme court for review and appropriate action. conclusions, findings, (c) To review consensual discipline under SCR 22.09. (d) To conduct hearings, make written findings, conclusions, and recommendations on other matters as the supreme court may direct. (4) Referees shall function pursuant to the procedures set forth in SCR chapter 22. (5) Each referee shall participate in mandatory referee training developed by the office of judicial education, as follows: (a) Each newly appointed referee shall attend the earliest one- half day new referee orientation seminar offered following his or her appointment, unless a period of extension is granted by the office of judicial education, upon prior application by the referee. A referee reappointed to serve a consecutive term need not repeat the new referee orientation seminar. (b) Each referee shall attend a one-half day referee training seminar every two years during the referee's four-year term when offered by the office of judicial education. (c) If a referee fails to comply with the mandatory referee training, the office of judicial education shall advise the supreme court and the supreme court may, following notice to the referee, remove the referee from the referee panel provided in SCR 21.08.