On Friday, August 15, 2025, the Supreme Court of Wisconsin revoked the law license of Attorney Peter J. Kovac following a disciplinary proceeding initiated by the Office of Lawyer Regulation (OLR). The court’s decision came after a report from referee L. Michael Tobin, who declared Kovac in default for failing to respond to allegations of professional misconduct.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Peter J. Kovac,” with case no. 2024AP1511-D.
The OLR had filed a comprehensive complaint against Kovac, detailing 11 counts of misconduct involving two clients across three separate cases. The allegations against him included a range of violations, such as inadequate communication with clients on the scope of his representation, lack of diligence, failure to keep a client reasonably informed about the status of a matter, failure to protect a client’s interests upon termination of representation, failure to provide competent representation, failure to consult with a client concerning the objectives of representation, and failure to cooperate with the OLRs investigation.
Kovac’s disciplinary history is extensive, featuring multiple reprimands and suspensions dating back to 2008. His previous violations included a lack of diligence, failure to communicate effectively, and neglecting to uphold his responsibilities to clients. In 2021, his license was automatically suspended for failing to cooperate with an ongoing investigation into his conduct. Although this suspension was lifted later that year, his pattern of misconduct continued.
In the specific cases leading to the latest disciplinary action, Kovac represented M.M. in a criminal matter involving serious charges, including kidnapping and sexual assault. After M.M. was convicted, Kovac failed to meet critical deadlines and did not adequately consult with or inform his client about the status of the case. Ultimately, M.M.’s convictions were overturned, and he was granted a new trial.
Kovac also represented R.G., who was charged with first-degree intentional homicide. Kovac’s failure to file a notice of alibi defense and his lack of trial preparation resulted in R.G.’s conviction. During the proceedings, Kovac misled R.G. regarding the status of the defense strategy and failed to call crucial witnesses who could have supported R.G.’s case. Notably, Kovac had previously represented an inmate who provided information implicating R.G., raising serious conflict of interest concerns.
After a series of missed deadlines and non-responsiveness, the OLR moved for a default judgment against Kovac, which the referee granted. The referee’s report emphasized that Kovac’s repeated failures to comply with the scheduling orders demonstrated a disregard for the legal process and his obligations as an attorney.
The court’s ruling to revoke Kovac’s license was based on the numerous counts of misconduct and his extensive disciplinary history. The court also ordered Kovac to pay the full costs of the disciplinary proceedings, amounting to $6,816.88, and mandated that he comply with the provisions regarding the duties of a revoked attorney.
The Disposition states:
“IT IS ORDERED that the license of Attorney Peter J. Kovac is revoked, effective the date of this order.”
According to Avvo.com, Mr. Kovac was an attorney in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He attended the Northwestern University School of Law, graduating in 1973. He acquired his law license in Wisconsin in the same year.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
