In re Disciplinary Proceedings Against Beck
In re Disciplinary Proceedings Against Beck
Opinion of the Court
Attorney disciplinary proceeding; attorney’s license revoked by consent.
On October 26, 1981, the Board of Attorneys Professional Responsibility filed with the court a complaint alleging five counts of unprofessional conduct against Sidney F. Beck, Jr., an attorney who practiced in Adams-Friendship from 1969 through May, 1979, and thereafter practiced in the Milwaukee area. The complaint alleged that the respondent induced former and present clients to lend him money on unsecured notes, in violation of SCR 20.27(1), and failed to repay those loans as they became due. It is alleged that the respondent’s conduct constitutes a breach of trust, which brings discredit upon the legal profession. The complaint also alleged that the respondent failed to timely close numerous probate estates which he was representing as attorney and that the probate court had issued orders directing the respondent and the personal repre
The court referred the matter to the Hon. Robert W. Hansen as referee pursuant to SCR 21.09(4). On December 23, 1981, the respondent filed a petition for the voluntary revocation of his license to practice law in Wisconsin. In that petition, made pursuant to SCR 21.10, the respondent admitted the allegations of the complaint and, as to each count of unprofessional conduct, listed the names of the persons involved and the amounts owing to them. The respondent stated that he could not successfully defend against the allegations of the complaint, waived his right to do so and agreed to pay the costs of this proceeding.
It is ordered that the license of Sidney F. Beck, Jr., to practice law in Wisconsin is revoked effective the date of this order.
It is further ordered that any funds of the respondent’s clients coming into the respondent’s possession, other than fees due and owing, be immediately paid to the respective clients and that any and all trust funds held by the respondent be forthwith paid to the rightful owners thereof, including penalties, inheritance taxes and interest due the Wisconsin Department of Revenue from the estate of Pribbenow, as identified in the respondent’s petition.
It is further ordered that Sidney F. Beck, Jr., pay the costs of this proceeding in the amount of $1,450.54 to the Board of Attorneys Professional Responsibility within 60 days of the date of this order.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- In the Matter of Disciplinary Proceedings Against Sidney F. Beck, Jr., Attorney at Law
- Status
- Published