The Wisconsin Supreme Court revoked attorney Peter J. Kovac's license to practice law following disciplinary proceedings in which he was declared in default after failing to properly appeal a referee's recommendation. The court issued its decision on Aug. 15, 2025, in case No. 2024AP1511-D.
The case originated with a 70-page complaint filed by the Office of Lawyer Regulation alleging 11 counts of professional misconduct against Kovac. The allegations stem from his representation of two clients in three separate matters, including two serious criminal cases where his clients' convictions were ultimately overturned on appeal due to Kovac's misconduct.
Referee L. Michael Tobin declared Kovac in default and recommended that the Wisconsin Supreme Court revoke his law license. Kovac attempted to file a late appeal of the referee's report, but the OLR moved to dismiss the untimely filing. On April 10, 2025, the Wisconsin Supreme Court dismissed Kovac's appeal and ordered that the matter would proceed for automatic review under Supreme Court Rule 22.17(2).
The specific allegations against Kovac include multiple violations of professional conduct rules. The OLR charged him with failure to communicate in writing the scope of his representation and fees to clients, demonstrating a lack of diligence in handling client matters, and failing to keep clients reasonably informed about the status of their cases.
Additionally, the complaint alleged that Kovac failed to protect his clients' interests upon termination of representation and failed to provide competent representation. The charges also include failure to consult with clients concerning the objectives of their representation and failure to cooperate with the OLR's investigation into his conduct.
The misconduct had serious consequences for Kovac's clients, particularly those involved in the criminal matters. According to the court documents, the clients' convictions in two serious criminal cases were ultimately overturned on appeal specifically due to Kovac's professional misconduct. This outcome demonstrates the real-world impact that attorney misconduct can have on clients' lives and legal outcomes.
The OLR sought revocation of Kovac's license as the appropriate sanction for the alleged misconduct, indicating the severity of the violations. License revocation represents the most serious disciplinary action that can be taken against an attorney, effectively ending their ability to practice law in the jurisdiction.
Kovac's procedural missteps compounded his problems in the disciplinary proceeding. His failure to file a timely appeal of the referee's report resulted in a default judgment against him. Under Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 22.17(2), when no timely appeal is filed, the supreme court automatically reviews the referee's report and determines appropriate discipline.
The rule provides that the court shall "adopt, reject or modify the referee's findings and conclusions or remand the matter to the referee for additional findings; and determine and impose appropriate discipline." In this case, the court proceeded with its review after dismissing Kovac's late appeal attempt.
This disciplinary action highlights the importance of procedural compliance in attorney discipline cases. Kovac's failure to meet appeal deadlines resulted in losing his opportunity to contest the referee's findings and recommendations before the state's highest court.
The case also underscores the Wisconsin Supreme Court's commitment to maintaining professional standards within the legal profession. The court's willingness to revoke Kovac's license demonstrates that serious misconduct will result in severe consequences, particularly when it affects clients' fundamental rights in criminal proceedings.
Attorney disciplinary proceedings serve multiple purposes in the legal system. They protect the public from incompetent or unethical attorneys, maintain the integrity of the legal profession, and provide a mechanism for addressing violations of professional conduct rules.
The revocation of Kovac's license means he can no longer practice law in Wisconsin unless he successfully petitions for reinstatement in the future, which would require meeting strict requirements and demonstrating rehabilitation. The decision serves as a warning to other attorneys about the serious consequences of professional misconduct and procedural failures in disciplinary proceedings.
The Office of Lawyer Regulation, which brought the complaint against Kovac, is responsible for investigating and prosecuting attorney misconduct in Wisconsin. The organization's role in filing the comprehensive 70-page complaint demonstrates the thorough investigation conducted into Kovac's alleged violations.
This case represents another example of the legal profession's self-regulation through disciplinary proceedings designed to protect clients and maintain public confidence in the legal system. The Wisconsin Supreme Court's decision reinforces that attorneys must meet their professional obligations and face serious consequences when they fail to do so.