|
The following facts are taken from the
Stipulation For Probation entered into by
Attorney James C. W. Bock (Bock) and the
Minnesota Office of Lawyers Professional
Responsibility:
a. Bock graduated from the University
of Minnesota Law School in 1998. He has
been licensed to practice law in Wisconsin
since October of 1998.
b. In December of 2006, Bock filed an
application for admission for the bar of
Minnesota based upon Rule 7A of the
Minnesota Rules for Admission to the Bar,
which permits an attorney in good standing
in another state who has been active in the
practice of law for a minimum of five years
to become licensed in Minnesota without
sitting for the bar examination. Bock was
subsequently notified that he did not meet
the requirements under Rule 7A because he
had not practiced law in Wisconsin
continuously for five years.
c. In May of 2007, Bock petitioned to
sit for the July 2007 bar examination in
Minnesota and his application for admission
to the Minnesota bar was transferred to an
application based upon him passing the July
2007 bar examination.
d. Bock did not pass the July 2007 bar
examination and was not admitted to practice
in Minnesota.
e. In May of 2008, Bock submitted an
application to sit for the July 2008
Minnesota bar examination.
f. During 2004, Bock performed legal
work for Minnesota clients as an independent
contractor for Attorney Patrick C. Burns.
On Burns’ letterhead, Bock was listed as “of
counsel” and “licensed only in Wisconsin.”
During the time he was “of counsel” to
Burns’ firm, Bock gave legal advice to
clients, signed and filed pleadings with
various district courts, and sought pro
hac vice admission on behalf of several
clients.
g. In July of 2006, Burns and Attorney
Bryan R. Battina, formed the law firm of
Burns & Battina, LLP. Bock worked with both
Burns and Battina and provided legal
services to clients in Minnesota.
h. In August of 2006, Bock and Battina
formed the law firms of Bock & Battina,
LLP. Under the articles of incorporation,
Bock and Battina are equal partners. Bock &
Battina maintained an office only in
Minneapolis, Minnesota.
i. Bock was admitted pro hac vice
in 11
matters in Minnesota, all of which are
detailed in the Stipulation. He also
provided legal services in at least three
other matters in Minnesota, which are also
detailed in the Stipulation.
|
|
The Minnesota Office of Lawyers Professional
Responsibility determined that via the
conduct described above, Bock “engaged in
the unauthorized practice of law through his
systematic and continuous practice of law,
whether by repeated pro hac vice
admission,
acting “of counsel,” and otherwise
practicing in Minnesota through Back &
Battina law firm,” which violated the
Minnesota Rules of Professional Conduct
(MRPC), including but not limited to Rule 5.5
(b)(1).
|
|
By engaging in conduct that violated rule 5.5
(b)(1) of the Minnesota Rules of
Professional Conduct (MRPC), Bock violated
Wisconsin SCR 20:5.5(a), which states, “A
lawyer shall not practice law in a
jurisdiction where doing so violates the
regulation of the legal profession in that
jurisdiction.”
Bock has no prior discipline.
In accordance with SCR 22.09(3), Attorney
James C. W. Bock is hereby publicly
reprimanded.
|