Vol. 70, No. 12, December
1997
Survey of Grievances
Received During Fiscal 1996-97
Allegations Total % of Total
Conflict of interest 76 5.1
Criminal conduct 11 0.7
Failure to return property 32 2.2
Frivolous action 18 1.2
IFOR 291 19.8
Improper advertising 9 0.6
Improper advocacy 89 6.0
Improper communications 28 1.9
Improper termination 31 2.1
Incompetence 49 3.3
Lack of communication 163 11.0
Lack of diligence 314 21.2
Medical incapacity 2 0.1
Misrepresentation 93 6.4
Not available 30 2.0
Other 24 1.6
Reciprocal discipline 4 0.3
Revealing confidences 22 1.6
Scope of representation 50 3.4
Statutory violation 8 0.5
Supervise subordinates 8 0.5
Trust account violations 50 3.4
Unauthorized practice 11 0.7
Unreasonable fees 51 3.4
Violation of decision 2 0.1
Violation of oath 13 0.9
Totals 1,479 100.0
Area of Practice Total % of Total
Admin./government 34 2.3
Bankruptcy 36 0.4
Collections 43 2.9
Contracts/consumer 17 1.1
Corporate/banking 11 1.7
Criminal law 477 32.2
Environment 2 0.1
Estate/probate 10 16.8
Family Law 297 20.1
Immigration 3 0.2
Insurance 3 0.2
Labor/unemployment comp. 22 1.5
Landlord/tenant 20 1.4
Litigation 94 6.4
NA 22 1.5
Other 57 3.8
Patent/trademark 1 0.1
Real property 74 5.6
Taxation 6 0.4
Torts/civil rights 137 9.3
Worker's Comp./Social Security 22 1.6
Totals 1,479 100.0
Source of grievance Total % of Total
Adverse party 240 16.2
Attorney 91 6.2
BAPR 21 1.4
Client 843 57.0
Judge 22 1.5
Other party 262 17.7
Totals 1,479 100.0
Wisconsin Lawyer