Justices revoke license of attorney who lent money to clients.

• Date: 07 October 2014

Byline: Eric Heisig, eric.heisig@wislawjournal.com

A New London attorney who represented clients in financial trouble exploited those clients' weaknesses for his own benefit and is no longer allowed to practice law, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled Tuesday.

Three "financially unsophisticated" couples hired Michael Trewin to handle legal issues surrounding either their foreclosures or possible bankruptcy, according to the court's per curiam decision. The clients relied on Trewin's advice, but ended up being financially hurt when he loaned them money and took their property when they couldn't pay him back.

"Those transactions ultimately resulted in Attorney Trewin acquiring the clients' property and enriching himself at their expense," according to the decision. "It is clear that the public needs to be protected from this type of conduct and that, as the referee commented, Attorney Trewin is unfit to engage in the practice of law in this state."

Trewin's revocation will begin Nov. 7. According to the bar's website, his membership is still active and he is in good standing.

He did not...