Office of Lawyer Regulation v. Raneda, 2012 WI 42

Referee recommended default against Raneda for 14 counts of misconduct and a one-year suspension with full costs.
Raneda admitted Wisconsin bar in 2002; no prior disciplinary history; resided in San Francisco by time of decision.
OLR filed complaint on April 12, 2011 alleging two client matters (T.W. and G.O.) with multiple misconduct counts.
In T.W. matter, trust funds were withdrawn for attorney's fees; court orders required trust accounting and deposits.
In G.O. matter, advance fee and cost handling and communications allegedly violated multiple SCR provisions; investigations and sanctions followed.
Court adopted referee’s findings after Raneda failed to answer or participate; suspension ordered to be effective June 4, 2012; costs of $3,232.05 assessed; restitution not ordered.

Issue	Plaintiff's Argument	Defendant's Argument	Held
Default and sanction proper.	OLR argues default warranted and one-year suspension.	Raneda did not present a defense; no contrary position.	Yes; default declared and one-year suspension affirmed.
Costs should be assessed.	OLR seeks full costs as of December 19, 2011.	Raneda did not contest; no challenge.	Full costs ($3,232.05) assessed.
Restitution in G.O. matter warranted.	OLR considered restitution; not readily ascertainable.	Raneda did work on G.O.; restitution not clearly required.	Restitution not awarded.

In re Disciplinary Proceedings Against Eisenberg, 269 Wis. 2d 43 (Wis. 2004) (referee findings affirmed; review de novo; sanctions within court's discretion)
In re Disciplinary Proceedings Against Widule, 660 N.W.2d 686 (Wis. 2003) (court may impose sanctions beyond referee recommendation)