John Buran's License Suspension and What It Means
John Buran, an attorney who practiced in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, had his law license suspended by the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The suspension resulted from disciplinary action taken by the State Bar of Wisconsin after findings of professional misconduct. When an attorney's license is suspended, they cannot practice law, represent clients, or hold themselves out as a lawyer in Wisconsin until the suspension is lifted or the license is reinstated through a formal process.
Attorney suspensions are public record, and the Wisconsin Supreme Court publishes decisions online. These cases matter to people who may have worked with the attorney or are considering hiring a lawyer — they show how the bar system holds attorneys accountable and what kinds of conduct trigger discipline.
Key Takeaways
- John Buran's law license was suspended by the Wisconsin Supreme Court following a disciplinary decision by the State Bar of Wisconsin.
- A suspended law license means the attorney cannot practice law or represent clients in Wisconsin until the suspension ends or reinstatement is granted.
- Attorney discipline decisions are public and searchable through the Wisconsin Supreme Court's online records and the State Bar website.
- If you hired John Buran before his suspension, you may need to find new representation or contact the State Bar about your case.
- Suspension is different from disbarment — suspension is temporary, while disbarment is permanent removal from the profession.
How Attorney Suspensions Work in Wisconsin
The State Bar of Wisconsin investigates complaints against attorneys and can recommend discipline ranging from a private reprimand to disbarment. When the bar finds that an attorney violated professional conduct rules, the case goes to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which makes the final decision on whether to suspend, disbar, or take other action.
A suspension order specifies how long the suspension lasts — it might be six months, one year, or longer. During that time, the attorney's name appears on the State Bar's list of suspended lawyers. Some suspensions are stayed, meaning they do not take effect when ready, or they are conditional on the attorney meeting certain requirements like completing ethics training or paying restitution.
Reinstatement after suspension requires the attorney to petition the court, often after meeting conditions set out in the original suspension order. The court then decides whether to lift the suspension.
Finding Information About Attorney Discipline in Wisconsin
You can search for any Wisconsin attorney's discipline history through two main sources. The State Bar of Wisconsin maintains a public directory where you can look up an attorney's name and see whether they are in good standing, suspended, or disbarred. The Wisconsin Supreme Court also publishes all discipline decisions online, with full text explaining the findings and the penalty imposed.
These records include the attorney's name, the date of the decision, the specific rule violations found, and the discipline imposed. Reading the actual court decision gives you the details of what happened, not just the outcome.
What to Do If You Hired John Buran Before His Suspension
If you had an open case or ongoing representation with John Buran when his license was suspended, you need to take action. You cannot continue working with a suspended attorney — any legal work they do during suspension is unauthorized and may not be valid.
Contact the State Bar of Wisconsin to report that you were a client and ask for guidance on your case. The bar can tell you whether your case was transferred to another attorney, whether you need to find new representation, or what steps to take next. If you paid fees for work that was not completed, the bar can also advise you on whether you have a claim for a refund through the Client Security Fund, which reimburses clients who lose money due to attorney misconduct.
The Difference Between Suspension and Disbarment
Suspension and disbarment are both forms of discipline, but they are not the same. A suspension is temporary — the attorney cannot practice for a set period, but they may be able to return to practice after meeting conditions and petitioning for reinstatement. Disbarment is permanent removal from the profession; a disbarred attorney cannot practice law in Wisconsin again without going through a lengthy reinstatement process that is rarely granted.
An attorney can also be suspended with conditions, meaning they must do something specific — like complete an ethics course, pay restitution, or submit to monitoring — before they can practice again. These conditions are designed to address the underlying problem that led to the discipline.
Checking an Attorney's Status Before Hiring
Before you hire any attorney, you should verify their license status through the State Bar of Wisconsin directory. Search by name and look for the status field — it will show whether the attorney is active, suspended, disbarred, or inactive. This takes two minutes and protects you from hiring someone who cannot legally represent you.
You can also read the attorney's discipline history if one exists. The bar directory links to court decisions, so you can see exactly what happened and when. This is public information meant to help people make informed choices about who to trust with their legal matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a suspended attorney still give legal information?
No. A suspended attorney cannot practice law in any form, including giving legal information, representing clients, or holding themselves out as a lawyer. Any legal work they do during suspension is unauthorized and may be invalid or unenforceable.
How long does a suspension usually last?
Suspension length varies depending on the severity of the misconduct and the terms set by the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Suspensions can range from a few months to several years. The court's decision specifies the length and any conditions the attorney must meet before reinstatement.
What happens to my case if my attorney is suspended?
Your case does not automatically transfer to another attorney. Contact the State Bar of Wisconsin when ready to report that your attorney was suspended and ask what happens next. You may need to find new representation, or the bar may direct you to resources for clients in this situation.
Can I get my money back if my attorney was suspended?
You may be able to recover fees through the State Bar's Client Security Fund if you lost money due to attorney misconduct. Contact the State Bar directly with details of your case and the fees you paid. The fund has limits and specific rules about what it covers.
How do I report an attorney for misconduct?
File a complaint with the State Bar of Wisconsin. You can do this online or by mail. The bar will investigate and determine whether the attorney violated professional conduct rules. Complaints are confidential during the investigation process.