State Bar WisLAP Coordinator Linda Albert talks with Michael Burke about his journey from alcoholism to gambling, and how the addiction took him from a successful law practice to the gates of prison.
June 16, 2010 – State Bar WisLAP Coordinator Linda Albert talks with Michael Burke, about his journey from alcoholism to gambling, and how the addiction took him from a successful law practice to the gates of prison.
Burke was a successful lawyer and respected member of the business community in Howell, Mich. – but was also a closet alcoholic and gambling addict, to the tune of $1.6 million of other people’s trust funds. Burke ended up spending three years in prison.
His story is told in the book “Never Enough: One Lawyer’s True Story of How He Gambled His Career Away,” published by the American Bar Association. Burke told attendees at his May State Bar Annual Convention presentation that book royalties go to victims of his trust account theft.
The State Bar’s Wisconsin Lawyers Assistance Program (WisLAP) provides confidential assistance to help lawyers, judges, law students, and their families cope with problems related to the stress of practicing law. For help, contact the 24-hour helpline: (800) 543-2625.
• Related: More about the Wisconsin Lawyers Assistance Program (WisLAP)
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