Disciplinary Proceedings Against Gamino
Supreme Court of Wisconsin
753 N.W.2d 521 (2008)
Gamino (defendant) agreed to jointly represent both spouses in their divorce to save them money despite each already having separate counsel, never filed to substitute himself as counsel, never obtained either spouse's written consent to the conflict, failed to appear for the scheduled hearing leading to dismissal, and later reopened the case representing only E.B. without informing N.B. until the final hearing date, while also failing to properly value assets, communicate with N.B., or inquire into her medical and domestic-violence history; a referral judge recommended an 18-month suspension.
Whether, to represent a client if the representation will be directly adverse to another client, the lawyer must ensure that the representation will not adversely affect either client and have each client consent in writing after consultation.