On Friday, September 12, 2025, the Wisconsin Supreme Court suspended attorney Matthew V. Burkert’s license to practice law for two years, effective immediately. The disciplinary action stems from Burkert’s professional misconduct involving the diversion of fees from his former law firm, Sorrentino Burkert Risch LLC (SBR), to his own company, MZR Advisors, LLC.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Matthew V. Burkert,” with case number 2022AP1926-D.
The Office of Lawyer Regulation (OLR) filed an original and an amended complaint against Burkert. The complaints detailed a pattern of deceit and dishonesty, as well as violations of fiduciary duty and honesty to his former law firm. Initially, Burkert contested many of the factual allegations, claiming a lack of knowledge or recollection. However, he later entered into a “Comprehensive Stipulation” with the OLR, withdrawing his previous answers and pleading no contest to the two counts of misconduct.
According to the amended complaint, Burkert formed MZR Advisors, LLC in February 2019 while still a member of SBR, utilizing SBR resources such as staff and funds to establish the new entity. He failed to disclose his ownership interest in MZR on an “Outside Interest Supplement” form for the firm’s legal malpractice insurance.
The misconduct involved multiple client representations. In one instance, Burkert directed a client, C.W., to pay $7,276.50 owed to SBR to MZR and later claimed the action was inadvertent. In another case, he billed client E.N. through MZR instead of SBR, even though SBR resources were used for the work.
Additionally, Burkert invoiced Selzer-Ornst Construction through MZR for $20,000 for legal services that SBR had provided, without remitting the funds to SBR. He also arranged for Cox Plumbing to provide him with plumbing services as a barter for legal services provided by SBR, without compensating the firm.
Similar issues arose with Cherney Brothers, where a payment was directed to MZR. Burkert also exchanged legal services for a 10% ownership in Cottage LLC without compensating SBR. Finally, Jendrach, Dobogai, Lindseth, Inc. (JDL) made payments to Burkert personally instead of SBR.
The referee, Karen L. Seifert, initially recommended an 18-month suspension and restitution of $24,358.50 to SBR. While the Supreme Court agreed with the referee’s findings regarding Burkert’s ethical violations, it increased the suspension to two years. The court also ordered Burkert to pay the stipulated restitution amount of $24,358.50 and the costs of the disciplinary proceeding, totaling $4,875.21.
The Supreme Court emphasized the seriousness of Burkert’s misconduct, noting that it was not an isolated incident but a deliberate plan to divert fees from his firm for personal gain. The court also found a lack of genuine acceptance of responsibility and remorse from Burkert.
As a condition for any future reinstatement petition, Burkert must prove that he has made full restitution to SBR for all improperly diverted or converted funds.
According to Avvo, Mr. Burkert is a corporate and incorporation lawyer in Waukesha, WI. He acquired his law license in Wisconsin in 2004.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
