Gieseke v. Department of Transportation

At the heart of this case is every lawyer’s duty to inspire the confidence, respect and trust of his or her clients and of the public, by avoiding the appearance of impropriety. SCR 20.48(6)(1986). SCR 20.49(2) (1986) provides that to avoid the appearance of impropriety a lawyer may not accept private employment in a matter in which the lawyer had substantial responsibility while a public employee. Because I believe these two canons of ethics and Attorney Southwick’s duties as the county’s corporation counsel prevent him from representing a private client in a condemnation action involving a…