State reinstates George’s law license

Former state Sen. Gary George, who pleaded guilty to federal charges in a kickback scheme in 2004, can practice law again.
George’s law license was suspended after he entered his guilty plea, but the Milwaukee Democrat asked the state Supreme Court to give him his license back.
A referee assigned to oversee the case had recommended the court revoke George’s law license for his conviction and other factors, including: evidence that George had practiced law while under suspension, failed to comply with terms of his suspension and failed to acknowledge any wrongdoing.
"We begin by acknowledging that some of Attorney George’s past conduct has been deeply flawed," the justices write. "He has been professionally disciplined and criminally prosecuted for that bad conduct. However, we focus on the specific question before us today: Whether Attorney George has demonstrated by clear, satisfactory, and convincing evidence that his license to practice law should be reinstated at this time. After careful review of the entire record, we conclude the answer to this question is, ‘Yes.’"
George, who did not immediately return a call seeking comment, has 60 days to pay the costs of his reinstatement proceeding, which totaled $9,702.01 as of Dec. 18, 2009.
– WisPolitics.com