Rule XI. Disciplinary Proceedings

(1)  To consider and investigate any alleged ground for discipline or alleged incapacity of any attorney called to its attention, or upon its own motion, and to take such action with respect thereto as shall be appropriate to effect the purposes of this rule.
(2)  To appoint Disciplinary Counsel, Special Disciplinary Counsel, and such assistant disciplinary counsel and staff as may be required to perform the duties and functions of that office (see section 6), and to fix their compensation. Disciplinary Counsel shall serve at the pleasure of the Board, subject to the Court's oversight authority over all disciplinary matters. Any Special Disciplinary Counsel and all assistant disciplinary counsel shall serve at the pleasure of the Board. As used hereafter in this rule, the term "Disciplinary Counsel" shall refer collectively to Disciplinary Counsel, any Special Disciplinary Counsel, and all assistant disciplinary counsel unless the context requires otherwise.
(3)  To appoint an Executive Attorney, who shall serve at the pleasure of the Board, and such staff as may be required to perform the duties and functions of that office (see section 7), and to fix their compensation.
(4)  To appoint two or more Hearing Committees, each consisting of two members of the Bar and one person who is not a lawyer,  and such alternate Hearing Committee members as may be required, who shall conduct hearings under this rule and such other hearings as the Court or the Board may direct, and shall submit their findings and recommendations, together with the record, to the Board or, if required under this rule, to the Court.
(5)  To assign, through the Executive Attorney, periodically and on a rotating basis, an attorney member of a Hearing Committee as a Contact Member to review and approve or suggest modifications of recommendations by Disciplinary Counsel for dismissals, informal admonitions, and the institution of formal charges.
(6)  To assign, through the Executive Attorney, formal charges and a petition for negotiated disposition to a Hearing Committee, and to refer a petition for reinstatement to Disciplinary Counsel to determine whether Disciplinary Counsel opposes reinstatement and, if so, to assign, through the Executive Attorney, the petition for reinstatement to a Hearing Committee.
(7)  To review the findings and recommendations of Hearing Committees submitted to the Board, and to prepare and forward its own findings and recommendations, together with the record of proceedings before the Hearing Committee and the Board, to the Court.
(8)  To reprimand attorneys subject to the disciplinary jurisdiction of the Court and the Board.
(9)  To prepare the Board's proposed budget for submission to the Board of Governors.
(10) To adopt rules, procedures, and policies not inconsistent with this rule or any other rules of this Court

  (f) Review of the Board's proposed budget. The Board of Governors may adopt or reject a proposed budget of the Board on Professional Responsibility, but in the event of a dispute between the Board of Governors and the Board on Professional Responsibility as to the amount of the latter's proposed budget, or any of its budget items, the Court shall resolve such dispute upon application by either Board.
  (g) Providing information to the Court. Upon request from the Court, in the exercise of its duty to oversee the disciplinary system, the Board shall provide to the Court for its review the file in any case or cases, including those which have been concluded by dismissal, informal admonition, or reprimand.
  (h) Consultation with the Bar. The Board shall, to the extent it deems feasible, consult with officers of the Bar and of voluntary bar associations in the District of Columbia concerning any appointments which it is authorized to make. 

(a) If the Board has recommended disbarment or suspension requiring proof of fitness to practice law as a condition of reinstatement, the Court shall enter an order suspending the attorney from the practice of law in the District of Columbia.(b) If the Board has recommended suspension of one year or more without requiring proof of fitness as a condition of reinstatement, the Court shall enter an order imposing the discipline recommended by the Board. 

  (i) Counsel in disciplinary matters before the Court. Proceedings before the Board and the Court shall be conducted by Disciplinary Counsel. If Disciplinary Counsel disagrees with the findings or recommendation of the Board, the position of the Board may be presented before the Court, upon request of the Board, by the Executive Attorney or other counsel. The Court in its discretion may appoint an attorney to present the views of a minority of the Board.
  (j) Court review of final actions by the Board. In any disciplinary proceeding in which a dismissal, an informal admonition, or a reprimand is contemplated or effected, the Court shall have the right to review the matter on its own motion and to enter an appropriate order, including an order directing further proceedings. 

Section 10. Disciplinary Proceedings Based Upon Conviction of Crime
  (a) Notification. If an attorney is found guilty of a crime or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to a criminal charge in a District of Columbia court, the clerk of that court shall, within ten days from the date of such finding or plea, transmit to this Court and to Disciplinary Counsel a certified copy of the court record or docket entry of the finding or plea. Disciplinary Counsel shall forward the certified copy to the Board. Upon learning that the certified copy has not been timely transmitted by the clerk of the court in which the finding or plea was made, or that an attorney has been found guilty of a crime or has pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to a criminal charge in a court outside the District of Columbia or in any federal court, Disciplinary Counsel shall promptly obtain a certified copy of the court record or docket entry of the finding or plea and transmit it to this Court and to the Board. The attorney shall also file with this Court and the Board, within ten days from the date of such finding or plea, a certified copy of the court record or docket entry of the finding or plea.
  (b) Serious crimes. The term "serious crime" shall include (1) any felony, and (2) any other crime a necessary element of which, as determined by the statutory or common law definition of such crime, involves improper conduct as an attorney, interference with the administration of justice, false swearing, misrepresentation, fraud, willful failure to file income tax returns, deceit, bribery, extortion, misappropriation, theft, or an attempt or a conspiracy or solicitation of another to commit a "serious crime."
  (c) Action by the Court—Serious crimes. Upon the filing with this Court of a certified copy of the record or docket entry demonstrating that an attorney has been found guilty of a serious crime or has pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to a charge of serious crime, the Court shall enter an order immediately suspending the attorney, notwithstanding the pendency of an appeal, if any, pending final disposition of a disciplinary proceeding to be commenced promptly by the Board. Upon good cause shown, the Court may set aside such order of suspension when it appears in the interest of justice to do so.
  (d) Action by the Board—Serious crimes. Upon receipt of a certified copy of a court record demonstrating that an attorney has been found guilty of a serious crime or has pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to a charge of serious crime, or any crime that appears to be a serious crime as defined in subsection (b) of this section, Disciplinary Counsel shall initiate a formal proceeding in which the sole issue to be determined shall be the nature of the final discipline to be imposed. However, if the Court determines under subsection (c) of this section that the crime is not a serious crime, the proceeding shall go forward on any charges under the Rules of Professional Conduct that Disciplinary Counsel may institute. A disciplinary proceeding under this subsection may proceed through the Hearing Committee to the Board, and the Board may hold such hearings and receive such briefs and other documents as it deems appropriate, but the proceeding shall not be concluded until all direct appeals from conviction of the crime have been completed.
  (e) Other crimes. Upon the receipt of a certified copy of a court record demonstrating that an attorney has been found guilty of a crime other than a serious crime, or has pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to a charge of crime other than a serious crime, Disciplinary Counsel shall investigate the matter and proceed as appropriate under section 8 of this rule.
  (f) Proof of criminal convictions. A certified copy of the court record or docket entry of a finding that an attorney is guilty of any crime, or of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere by an attorney to a charge of any crime, shall be conclusive evidence of the commission of that crime in any disciplinary proceeding based thereon.
  (g) Reinstatement. An attorney suspended under subsection (c) of this section may file with the Court and the Board, at any time, a certificate demonstrating that the underlying finding or plea or the judgment of conviction based thereon has been reversed, vacated, or set aside. Upon the filing of the certificate, the Court shall promptly enter an order reinstating the attorney, but the reinstatement shall not terminate any formal disciplinary proceeding then pending against the attorney, the disposition of which shall be determined by the Board on the basis of all available evidence. 

(1) "state" shall mean any state, territory, or possession of the United States.
(2) "disciplining court" shall mean (a) any court of the United States as defined in Title 28, Section 451 of the United States Code;(b) the highest court of any state;and (c) any other agency, commission, or tribunal, however denominated, that is authorized to impose discipline effective throughout a state.

  (b) Notification. It shall be the duty of Disciplinary Counsel to obtain copies of all orders of discipline from other disciplining courts. Upon learning that an attorney subject to the disciplinary jurisdiction of this Court has been disciplined by another disciplining court, Disciplinary Counsel shall obtain a certified copy of the disciplinary order and file it with this Court. In addition, any attorney subject to the disciplinary jurisdiction of this Court, upon being subjected to professional disciplinary action by another disciplining court, shall promptly inform Disciplinary Counsel of such action in writing.
  (c) Standards for reciprocal discipline. Reciprocal discipline may be imposed whenever an attorney has been disbarred, suspended, or placed on probation by another disciplining court. It shall not be imposed for sanctions by a disciplining court such as public censure or reprimand that do not include suspension or probation. For sanctions by another disciplining court that do not include suspension or probation, the Court shall order publication of the fact of that discipline by appropriate means in this jurisdiction. Reciprocal discipline shall be imposed unless the attorney demonstrates to the Court, by clear and convincing evidence, that:

(1) The procedure elsewhere was so lacking in notice or opportunity to be heard as to constitute a deprivation of due process; or (2) There was such infirmity of proof establishing the misconduct as to give rise to the clear conviction that the Court could not, consistently with its duty, accept as final the conclusion on that subject; or
(3) The imposition of the same discipline by the Court would result in grave injustice; or
(4) The misconduct established warrants substantially different discipline in the District of Columbia; or
(5) The misconduct elsewhere does not constitute misconduct in the District of Columbia. Unless there is a finding by the Court under (1), (2), or (5) of this subsection, a final determination by another disciplining court that an attorney has been guilty of professional misconduct shall conclusively establish the misconduct for the purpose of a reciprocal disciplinary proceeding in this Court.

 (d) Temporary suspension and show cause order.
Upon receipt of a certified copy of an order demonstrating that an attorney subject to the disciplinary jurisdiction of this Court has been suspended or disbarred by another disciplining court, the Court shall forthwith enter an order (1) suspending the attorney from the practice of law in the District of Columbia pending final disposition of any reciprocal disciplinary proceeding, and (2) directing the attorney to show cause within thirty days why identical reciprocal discipline should not be imposed. Disciplinary Counsel shall reply to the attorney's response to the show cause order no later than fifteen days after service of the response. Alternatively, no later than fifteen days after the attorney's response was due, Disciplinary Counsel may object to the imposition of reciprocal discipline based upon the factors set forth in subsection (c) of this section. In either case, Disciplinary Counsel shall provide the Court with the relevant portions of the record of the proceeding in the other disciplining court, the statute and the rules that governed it, and a short statement identifying all of the issues that the matter presents. 

If Disciplinary Counsel opposes the imposition of identical discipline, Disciplinary Counsel shall

(1) recommend appropriate non-identical discipline or
(2) request that the matter be referred to the Board for its recommendation as to discipline. The attorney may reply within ten days after service of Disciplinary Counsel's submission. 

   (e) Action by the Court.
Upon receipt of the attorney's response to the show cause order, if any, and of any submission by Disciplinary Counsel, the Court may refer the matter to the Board for its consideration and recommendation. If the Court decides that a referral to the Board is unnecessary, it shall impose identical discipline unless the attorney demonstrates by clear and convincing evidence, or the Court finds on the face of the record, that one or more of the grounds set forth in subsection (c) of this section exists.

If the Court determines that identical discipline should not be imposed, it may impose such discipline as it deems appropriate. In deciding what non-identical discipline to impose, the Court shall accept the facts found by the disciplining court unless it has made a finding under (1), (2), or (5) of subsection (c) of this section. If the Court has made a finding under one of these subsections, it shall direct Disciplinary Counsel to institute such proceedings as may be appropriate, including an original disciplinary proceeding. In the absence of such a finding, the Court shall impose final discipline.
    (f) Effect of stay of discipline by disciplining court. If the discipline imposed by another disciplining court is stayed, any reciprocal discipline imposed by this Court shall be deferred until the stay expires. 

Section 12. Disbarment by Consent 

  (a) Required affidavit. An attorney who is the subject of an investigation or a pending proceeding based on allegations of misconduct may consent to disbarment, but only by delivering to Disciplinary Counsel an affidavit declaring the attorney's consent to disbarment and stating: 

(1) That the consent is freely and voluntarily rendered, that the attorney is not being subjected to coercion or duress, and that the attorney is fully aware of the implication of consenting to disbarment;
(2) That the attorney is aware that there is currently pending an investigation into, or a proceeding involving, allegations of misconduct, the nature of which shall be specifically set forth in the affidavit;
(3) That the attorney acknowledges that the material facts upon which the allegations of misconduct are predicated are true; and
(4) That the attorney submits the consent because the attorney knows that if disciplinary proceedings based on the alleged misconduct were brought, the attorney could not successfully defend against them. 

  (b) Action by the Board and the Court. Upon receipt of the required affidavit, Disciplinary Counsel shall file it and any related papers with the Board for its review and approval. Upon such approval, the Board shall promptly file it with the Court. The Court thereafter may enter an order disbarring the attorney on consent.
  (c) Access to records of disbarment by consent. The order disbarring an attorney on consent shall be a matter of public record. However, the affidavit required under subsection (a) of this section shall not be publicly disclosed or made available for use in any other proceeding except by order of the Court or upon written consent of the attorney. 

Section 12.1. Negotiated discipline other than disbarment by consent. 

  (a) Availability of negotiated discipline.
An attorney who is the subject of an investigation by Disciplinary Counsel, or of a pending petition under section 8 (c) of this rule charging misconduct, may negotiate with Disciplinary Counsel a disposition of the charges and sanction at any time before a Hearing Committee has submitted to the Board a report containing its findings and recommendation with respect to discipline.
  (b) Documentation of a negotiated disposition.
       (1) A petition for negotiated disposition, signed by Disciplinary Counsel and the attorney, shall contain:

  (c) Hearing Committee review.
A petition for negotiated disposition and accompanying affidavit shall be submitted to the Executive Attorney, who in turn shall assign it to a Hearing Committee for review. The Board may adopt procedures for assignment of petitions for negotiated disposition to Hearing Committees, taking into account such matters as the pendency (and at what stage) of a related section 8 (c) proceeding. 

A Hearing Committee receiving a proposed negotiated disposition shall hold a limited hearing. The hearing shall be public and the proceeding a matter of public record. Prior to the hearing, Disciplinary Counsel shall furnish to any complainant the petition for negotiated disposition and affidavit, together with notice of the hearing and of the complainant's opportunity to be present. Also before the hearing, the Hearing Committee or the Chairperson may review Disciplinary Counsel's investigative file in camera or meet with Disciplinary Counsel ex parte to discuss the basis for Disciplinary Counsel's recommendation of a negotiated disposition.

The Hearing Committee conducting the review shall recommend to the Court approval of a petition for negotiated disposition if it finds that: 

  (d) Review by the Court of a recommendation.
Upon receipt from a Hearing Committee of a recommendation to approve a negotiated disposition, the Court shall review the recommendation in accordance with its procedures for the imposition of uncontested discipline. The Court in exceptional cases may request the views of the Board concerning the appropriateness of a negotiated disposition. If the Court accepts the recommendation, it shall impose the recommended discipline in a per curiam opinion briefly describing the misconduct, the specific Rule(s) of Professional Conduct violated, and the sanction imposed. Unless the opinion provides otherwise, an opinion imposing negotiated discipline may not be cited as precedent in contested disciplinary proceedings except as provided in the second sentence of D.C. App. R. 28 (g). 

No review by the Board or the Court may be had from a refusal of Disciplinary Counsel to agree to a disposition or from the rejection of a petition for negotiated disposition by a Hearing Committee.
 (e) Limitations on reference to a negotiated disposition or admissions by an attorney. Neither a Hearing Committee nor the Board may inquire of Disciplinary Counsel or an attorney who is the subject of a contested disciplinary proceeding whether the parties considered entering into a negotiated disposition, nor may a Hearing Committee or the Board, in imposing discipline following a section 8 (c) proceeding, consider whether the attorney offered or declined to enter into a negotiated disposition. If a section 8 (c) proceeding commences or resumes after a petition for negotiated disposition has been rejected, admissions made by the attorney in the petition or accompanying affidavit, or in the associated hearing, may not be used as evidence against the attorney except for purposes of impeachment.

Section 13. Incompetent and Incapacitated Attorneys 

  (a) Mentally disabled attorneys. When an attorney has been judicially declared to be mentally incompetent or has been involuntarily committed to a mental hospital as an inpatient, the Court, upon proper proof of that fact, shall enter an order suspending that attorney from the practice of law for an indefinite period until further order of the Court. The suspension shall be effective immediately. A copy of the order shall be served upon the attorney, the attorney's guardian, and the director of the mental hospital, if any, in such manner as the Court may direct. If at any time thereafter the attorney is judicially declared to be competent or discharged from inpatient status in the mental hospital, the Court may dispense with further evidence that the disability has ended and may direct the attorney's reinstatement to the practice of law upon such terms as it deems appropriate.
  (b) Application for medical examination. If, at any time prior to its final disposition of a disciplinary proceeding, the Board has good cause to believe that the mental or physical condition of the attorney is relevant to the subject matter of the complaint and is a factor which should be considered in the pending proceeding, the Board shall direct Disciplinary Counsel to apply to the Court for an order requiring the attorney to submit to an appropriate examination. The application shall be by petition, with notice to the attorney, and shall be accompanied by a statement from Disciplinary Counsel setting forth in detail the reasons for the application and the relevance of the examination to the pending proceeding.
  (c) Attorneys who may be incapacitated. If the Board has reason to believe that an attorney is incapacitated from continuing to practice law because of mental infirmity or illness or because of addiction to drugs or intoxicants, the Board may petition the Court to determine whether the attorney is so incapacitated. Upon the filing of the Board's petition, the Court may take or direct such action as it deems appropriate, including the examination of the attorney by such qualified medical expert or experts as it shall designate. If the Court concludes that the attorney is incapacitated from continuing to practice law, it shall enter an order suspending the attorney on the ground of such disability for an indefinite period, effective immediately and until further order of the Court, and any pending disciplinary proceeding against the attorney shall be held in abeyance. In a case of addiction to drugs or intoxicants, the Court alternatively may consider the possibility of probationary conditions. The Court may provide for such notice to the attorney of proceedings in the matter as it deems appropriate and may appoint counsel to represent the attorney if it determines that the attorney is without adequate representation.
  (d) Burden of proof. In a proceeding under this section seeking an order of suspension, the burden of proof shall be upon the Board. In a proceeding under this section seeking an order terminating a suspension, the burden of proof shall be upon the suspended attorney.
  (e) Claim of disability by attorney. If, in the course of a disciplinary proceeding, the attorney claims to be suffering from a disability because of mental or physical illness or infirmity, or because of addiction to drugs or intoxicants, which makes it impossible for the attorney to present an adequate defense, the Court shall enter an order immediately suspending the attorney from the practice of law until a determination is made of the attorney's capacity to practice law in a proceeding under subsection (c) of this section.
  (f) Action by the Court when attorney is not incapacitated. If, in the course of a proceeding under this section or a disciplinary proceeding, the Court determines that the attorney is not incapacitated from practicing law, it shall take such action as it deems appropriate, including the entry of an order directing the resumption of the disciplinary proceeding against the attorney.
  (g) Reinstatement of incapacitated attorney. An attorney suspended under this section may apply for reinstatement once a year, or at such shorter intervals as the Court may direct in its order of suspension or any modification thereof. Upon the filing of such application, the Court may take or direct such action as it deems appropriate, including the examination of the attorney by such qualified medical experts as the Court shall designate. In its discretion, the Court may direct that the expense of such an examination shall be paid by the attorney, and that evidence be presented establishing proof of the attorney's competence and learning in the law, which may include certification by the bar examiners of the attorney's successful completion of an examination for admission to practice. An application for reinstatement under this subsection shall be granted by the Court upon a showing by the attorney, by clear and convincing evidence, that the disability has ended and that the attorney is fit to resume the practice of law.
  (h) Waiver of doctor-patient privilege. The filing of an application for reinstatement under subsection (g) of this section shall constitute a waiver of any doctor-patient privilege with respect to any treatment of the attorney during the period of disability. The attorney shall disclose the name and address of every physician by whom, and every hospital in which, the attorney has been examined or treated since the suspension and shall furnish to the Court written consent to each to divulge such information and records as may be required by Court-appointed medical experts. 

Section 14. Disbarred and Suspended Attorneys
  (a) Notice to clients in non-litigated matters. An attorney ordered to be disbarred or suspended shall promptly notify by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, all clients on retainer and all clients being represented in pending matters other than litigated or administrative matters or proceedings pending in any court or agency, of the order of disbarment or suspension and of the attorney's consequent inability to act as an attorney after the effective date of the order, and shall advise such clients to seek legal advice elsewhere.   (b) Notice to clients in litigated matters. An attorney ordered to be disbarred or suspended shall promptly notify, by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, all clients involved in litigated matters or administrative proceedings in any court of the District of Columbia, or in pending matters before any District of Columbia government agency, of the order of disbarment or suspension and of the attorney's consequent inability to act as an attorney after the effective date of the order. The notice shall advise the prompt substitution of another attorney or attorneys. If the client fails to obtain substitute counsel before the effective date of the order, the disbarred or suspended attorney shall move pro se in the court or agency in which the proceeding is pending for leave to withdraw.
  (c) Notice to adverse parties. An attorney ordered to be disbarred or suspended shall promptly notify, by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, the attorney or attorneys for every adverse party in litigated matters or administrative proceedings in any court of the District of Columbia, or in pending matters in any District of Columbia administrative agency, of the order of disbarment or suspension and of the attorney's consequent inability to act as an attorney after the effective date of the order. The notice shall state the mailing address of each client of the disbarred or suspended attorney who is a party in the pending matter or proceeding.
 (d) Delivery of client papers and property. An attorney ordered to be disbarred or suspended shall promptly deliver to all clients being represented in pending matters any papers or other property to which the clients are entitled, or shall notify the clients and any co-counsel of a suitable time when and place where the papers and other property may be obtained, calling attention to any urgency for obtaining the papers or other property.
 (e) Imposition of discipline pendente lite. The Court, sua sponte or on motion, may order that the discipline recommended by the Board shall take effect pending the Court's determination of the merits of the case.
 (f) Effective date of discipline. Except as provided in sections 10, 11, and 13 of this rule, and in subsection (e) of this section, an order of disbarment or suspension shall be effective thirty days after entry unless the Court directs otherwise. The disbarred or suspended attorney, after entry of the order, shall not accept any new retainer or engage as attorney for another in any new case or legal matter of any nature. However, during the period between the date of entry of the order and its effective date, the attorney may conclude other work on behalf of a client on any matters which were pending on the date of entry. If such work cannot be concluded, the attorney shall so advise the client so that the client may make other arrangements.
   (g) Required affidavit and registration statement. Within ten days after the effective date of an order of disbarment or suspension, the disbarred or suspended attorney shall file with the Court and the Board an affidavit: 

 (1) Demonstrating with particularity, and with supporting proof, that the attorney has fully complied with the provisions of the order and with this rule;
 (2) Listing all other state and federal jurisdictions and administrative agencies to which the attorney is admitted to practice;and      (3) Certifying that a copy of the affidavit has been served on Disciplinary Counsel. 
     The affidavit shall also state the residence or other address of the attorney to which communications may thereafter be directed. The Board may require such additional proof as it deems necessary. In addition, for five years following the effective date of a disbarment or suspension order, a disbarred or suspended attorney shall continue to file a registration statement in accordance with Rule II, stating the residence or other address to which communications may thereafter be directed, so that the attorney may be located if a complaint is made about any conduct of the attorney occurring before the disbarment or suspension. See also section 16(c). 

Section 16. Reinstatement

  (a) Restrictions on reinstatement. A disbarred attorney, or a suspended attorney required to furnish proof of rehabilitation under section 3(a)(2) of this rule, shall not resume the practice of law until reinstated by order of the Court. A disbarred attorney not otherwise ineligible for reinstatement may not apply for reinstatement until the expiration of at least five years from the effective date of the disbarment. See also section 14(h).
  (b) Reinstatement of attorneys suspended for disability. An attorney who has been suspended indefinitely because of disability under section 13 of this rule may move for reinstatement in accordance with that section, but reinstatement shall not be ordered except on a showing by clear and convincing evidence that the disability has ended and that the attorney is fit to resume the practice of law.
  (c) Reinstatement of attorneys suspended on other grounds. An attorney suspended for more than one year before September 1, 1989, shall be subject to the reinstatement requirements in effect on the date of suspension. An attorney suspended for a specific period of time on or after September 1, 1989, without being required to furnish proof of rehabilitation under section 3(a)(2) of this rule shall be reinstated without further proceedings upon the expiration of the period specified in the order of suspension, provided that the attorney has timely filed with the Court the affidavit required by section 14(g) and such other proof as may be required under section 14(h). Notwithstanding the foregoing, a suspended attorney shall not be eligible for reinstatement until a period of time equal to the period of suspension shall have elapsed following the attorney's compliance with section 14, and a disbarred attorney shall not be eligible for reinstatement until five years shall have elapsed following the attorney's compliance with section 14. If the attorney has failed in any respect to comply with section 14, the Board shall so notify the Court, and the Court thereafter shall enter an appropriate order.
  (d) Contested petitions for reinstatement.

Section 17. Confidentiality

  (a) Disciplinary proceedings. Except as otherwise provided in this rule or as the Court may otherwise order, all proceedings involving allegations of misconduct by an attorney shall be kept confidential until either a petition has been filed under section 8 (c) or an informal admonition has been issued. All proceedings before the Hearing Committee and the Board shall be open to the public, and the petition, together with any exhibits introduced into evidence, any pleadings filed by the parties, and any transcript of the proceeding, shall be available for public inspection. If an informal admonition is issued, the letter of admonition from Disciplinary Counsel informing the attorney of the grounds for the admonition shall be available for public inspection. Disciplinary Counsel's files and records, however, shall not be available for public inspection except to the extent that portions thereof are introduced into evidence in a proceeding before the Hearing Committee.
  (b) Disability proceedings. All proceedings involving allegations of disability on the part of an attorney shall be kept confidential unless and until the Court enters an order suspending the attorney under section 13 of this rule.
  (c) Informal admonitions. Disciplinary Counsel may disclose information pertaining to proceedings resulting in informal admonitions to any court, to any other judicial tribunal or disciplinary agency, to any duly authorized law enforcement officer or agency conducting an investigation, to any representative of a public agency considering an attorney for judicial or public employment or appointment, or to any representative of another bar considering the application of an attorney for admission to such bar. Disciplinary Counsel may also make such disclosure to a duly authorized representative of the District of Columbia Bar with respect to any person whom the Bar is considering for possible employment, appointment to a Bar position related to attorney discipline or legal ethics, or recommendation to this Court for appointment to any board, committee, or other body.
  (d) Protective orders. To protect the interests of the complainant or of any other person, the Board may, upon application and for good cause shown, and upon notice to the attorney and an opportunity to be heard, issue a protective order prohibiting the disclosure of confidential or privileged information or of any documents listed in the order, including subpoenas and depositions, and directing that any proceedings before the Board or a Hearing Committee be so conducted as to implement the order.
  (e) Limited disclosure on motion. The Court on motion, filed ex parte and under seal by Disciplinary Counsel, may authorize disclosure of otherwise confidential information to a duly constituted grand jury for use in the performance of its official duties. Disciplinary Counsel's motion shall be filed only in response to grand jury subpoena. For good cause shown, the Court on motion may authorize disclosure of otherwise confidential information through discovery or appropriate processes in any civil, criminal, or administrative action, subject to such protective order as the Court may deem appropriate, or may authorize disclosure of otherwise confidential information to local, state or federal governmental agencies not associated with law enforcement or attorney discipline subject to appropriate protections of confidentiality.
  (f) Cooperation with law enforcement and other disciplinary authorities. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Rule, Disciplinary Counsel may file a written request with the Board for permission to communicate information about any disciplinary matter to law enforcement agencies, the Committee on Admissions, the Committee on Unauthorized Practice, the Clients' Security Trust Fund, or a state or federal attorney disciplinary agency, board, or committee that has a legitimate interest in such matter. Permission to communicate such information may be granted, in writing, by the Chairperson of the Board or the Chairperson's designated Board member upon good cause shown and subject to any limitations or conditions the Board may impose, including appropriate protections of confidentiality. Communication under this provision may be made either during the course of Disciplinary Counsel's investigation or following such investigation. 

Section 18. Subpoenas 

  (a) Issuance of subpoenas. In carrying out this rule, any member of the Board, any member of a Hearing Committee in matters before the Committee, the Executive Attorney, or Disciplinary Counsel in matters under investigation may, subject to Superior Court Civil Rule 45, compel by subpoena the attendance of witnesses and the production of pertinent books, papers, documents, and other tangible objects at the time and place designated in the subpoena. An attorney who is a respondent in a disciplinary proceeding or is under investigation by Disciplinary Counsel may, subject to Superior Court Civil Rule 45, compel by subpoena the attendance of witnesses and the production of pertinent books, papers, documents, and other tangible objects before a Hearing Committee after formal disciplinary proceedings are instituted. Subpoena and witness fees and mileage costs shall be the same as those in the Superior Court.       (b) Subpoenas issued during investigations. A subpoena issued during the course of an investigation shall clearly state on its face that it is issued in connection with a confidential investigation under this rule. A consultation with an attorney by a person subpoenaed shall not be regarded as a breach of confidentiality.
  (c) Quashing subpoenas. Any challenge to the validity of a subpoena issued in accordance with this section shall be heard and determined by a Hearing Committee designated by the Executive Attorney. The decision of the Hearing Committee shall not be subject to an interlocutory appeal but may be reviewed by the Board and subsequently by the Court as part of their review of the case in which the subpoena is issued.
  (d) Enforcement of subpoenas. The Court may, upon proper application, enforce the attendance and testimony of any witnesses and the production of any documents or tangible objects so subpoenaed.
  (e) Subpoena pursuant to law of another jurisdiction. Whenever a subpoena is sought in the District of Columbia pursuant to the law of another jurisdiction for use in lawyer discipline or disability investigations or proceedings in that jurisdiction, and where the application for issuance of the subpoena has been duly approved or authorized under the law of that jurisdiction, Disciplinary Counsel (in a case where the request is by the disciplinary authority of the foreign jurisdiction) or an attorney admitted to practice in this jurisdiction (in a case where the request is by a respondent in a proceeding in the foreign jurisdiction), may issue a subpoena as provided in this Section to compel the attendance of witnesses and production of documents in the District of Columbia, or elsewhere as agreed by the witnesses, for use in such foreign investigations or proceedings or in defense thereof. Service, enforcement and challenges to such subpoenas shall be as provided in this Section and incorporated rules.
  (f) Request for foreign subpoena in aid of proceeding in this jurisdiction. In a lawyer discipline or disability investigation or proceeding pending in this jurisdiction, both Disciplinary Counsel and a respondent may apply for the issuance of subpoenas in other jurisdictions, pursuant to the rules of those jurisdictions, where such application is in aid of such investigation or proceeding or in defense thereto, and to the extent that Disciplinary Counsel or the respondent could issue compulsory process or obtain formal prehearing discovery under the provisions of this Rule or the rules issued by the Board on Professional Responsibility. 

Section 19. Miscellaneous Matters 

  (a) Immunity. Complaints submitted to the Board or Disciplinary Counsel shall be absolutely privileged, and no claim or action predicated thereon may be instituted or maintained. Members of the Board, its employees, members of Hearing Committees, Disciplinary Counsel, and all assistants and employees of Disciplinary Counsel, all persons engaged in counseling, evaluating or monitoring other attorneys pursuant to a Board or Court order or a diversion agreement, and all assistants or employees of persons engaged in such counseling, evaluating or monitoring shall be immune from disciplinary complaint under this rule and from civil suit for any conduct in the course of their official duties.
  (b) Complaints against members of the disciplinary system. Disciplinary complaints against members of the Board involving activities other than those performed within the scope of their duties as Board members shall be submitted directly to the Court. Disciplinary complaints against Hearing Committee members, the Executive Attorney, or Disciplinary Counsel involving activities other than those performed within the scope of their duties as such shall be submitted directly to the Board.
  (c) Effect of settlement, compromise, restitution, or refusal to proceed. Neither unwillingness nor neglect by the complainant to sign a disciplinary complaint or to prosecute a charge, nor settlement, compromise, or restitution, shall in itself justify abatement of an investigation into the conduct of an attorney.
  (d) Related pending litigation. The processing of a disciplinary complaint shall not be deferred or abated because of substantial similarity to the material allegations of pending criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings, unless authorized by the Board or a Contact Member for good cause shown.
  (e) Service. Service upon the attorney of a petition instituting formal disciplinary proceedings shall be made by personal service by any person authorized by the Chairperson of the Board, or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the address shown in the most recent registration statement filed by the attorney pursuant to Rule II, or other last known address. Service by registered or certified mail shall not be effective unless Disciplinary Counsel files in the record of the proceeding proof of receipt of the petition by the attorney. Service of any other paper or notice required by this rule shall, unless otherwise provided in this rule, be made in accordance with Superior Court Civil Rule 5.
  (f) Deleted by Court, effective March 1, 2016.
  (g) Expenses. The salaries of Disciplinary Counsel and the Executive Attorney, their expenses, the expenses of the members of the Board and Hearing Committees, and other expenses incurred in the implementation or administration of this rule shall be paid out of the funds of the Bar. 

The report to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel shall be made simultaneously with, and within the time period, if any, provided by law for notice of dishonor. If an instrument presented against insufficient funds was honored, the institution's report shall be mailed to Disciplinary Counsel within five (5) business days of payment of the instrument.
   (c) The establishment of a specially designated account at an approved depository shall be conclusively deemed to be consent by the lawyer or law firm maintaining such account to that institution's furnishing to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel all reports and information required hereunder. No approved depository shall incur any liability by virtue of its compliance with the requirements of this rule, except as might otherwise arise from bad faith, intentional misconduct, or any other acts by the approved depository or its employees which, unrelated to this rule, would create liability.
   (d) The designation of a financial institution as an approved depository pursuant to this rule shall not be deemed to be a warranty, representation, or guaranty by the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, the District of Columbia Bar, the District of Columbia Board on Professional Responsibility, the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, or the District of Columbia Bar Foundation as to the financial soundness, business practices, or other attributes of such institution. Approval of an institution under this rule means only that the institution has undertaken to meet the reporting and other requirements enumerated in paragraph (a) and (b) above.
   (e) Nothing in this rule shall preclude a financial institution from charging a lawyer or law firm for the reasonable cost of producing the reports and records required by this rule.
   (f) Participation by financial institutions in the DC IOLTA program is voluntary. A financial institution that elects to offer and maintain DC IOLTA accounts shall fulfill the following requirements:

 (1) The institution shall pay no less on its DC IOLTA accounts than the interest rate or dividend rate in (A) or (B): 

 (i) An institution may offer, and the lawyer or law firm may request, an account that provides a mechanism for the overnight investment of balances in the DC IOLTA account in an interest- or dividend-bearing account that is a daily (overnight) financial institution repurchase agreement or an open–end money–market fund.
 (ii) An institution may choose to pay the higher interest rate or dividend rate on a DC IOLTA account in lieu of establishing it as a higher rate product. 

(B) A "benchmark" rate set periodically by the Foundation that reflects the Foundation's estimate of an overall comparability rate for accounts in the DC IOLTA program and that is net of allowable reasonable fees. When applicable, the Foundation will express the benchmark rate in relation to the Federal Funds Target Rate. 

(2) Nothing in this Rule shall preclude a financial institution from paying a higher interest rate or dividend on a DC IOLTA account than described in subparagraph (f)(1) above.
(3) Allowable reasonable fees are the only fees and service charges that may be deducted by a financial institution from interest or dividends earned on a DC IOLTA account. Allowable reasonable fees may be deducted from interest or dividends on a DC IOLTA account only at the rates and in accordance with the customary practices of the financial institution for non-IOLTA customers. No fees or service charges other than allowable reasonable fees may be assessed against the accrued interest or dividends on a DC IOLTA account. Any fees and service charges other than allowable reasonable fees shall be the sole responsibility of, and may only be charged to, the lawyer or law firm maintaining the DC IOLTA account. Allowable reasonable fees in excess of the interest or dividends earned on one DC IOLTA account for any period shall not be taken from interest or dividends earned on any other DC IOLTA account or accounts or from the principal of any DC IOLTA account. Nothing in this rule shall preclude a financial institution from electing to waive any fees and service charges on a DC IOLTA account.

  (g) On forms approved by the Foundation, a financial institution that maintains DC IOLTA accounts shall:

(1) Remit all interest or dividends, net of allowable reasonable fees, if any, on the average monthly balance in each DC IOLTA account, or as otherwise computed in accordance with the institution's standard accounting practice, at least quarterly, to the Foundation. The institution may remit the interest or dividends on all of its DC IOLTA accounts in a lump sum;however, the institution shall provide, for each individual DC IOLTA account, to the Foundation the information described in subparagraph (g)(2), and to the lawyer or law firm the information in subparagraph (g)(3).
(2) Transmit with each remittance to the Foundation a report showing the following information for each DC IOLTA account: the name of the lawyer or law firm in whose name the account is registered, the amount of interest or dividends earned, the rate and type of interest or dividend applied, the amount of any allowable reasonable fees assessed during the remittance period, the net amount of interest or dividends remitted for the period, the average account balance for the remittance period, and such other information as is reasonably required by the Foundation.
(3) Transmit to the lawyer or law firm in whose name the account is registered a periodic account statement in accordance with normal procedures for reporting to depositors. 

   (h) The Foundation shall maintain records of each remittance and statement received from a financial institution for a period of at least three years and shall, upon request, promptly make available to a lawyer or law firm the records or statements pertaining to that lawyer's or law firm's DC IOLTA accounts.
   (i) All interest and dividends transmitted to the Foundation shall, after deduction for the necessary and reasonable administrative expenses of the Foundation for operation of the DC IOLTA program, be distributed by the Foundation for the following purposes: (1) at least eighty–five percent for the support of legal assistance programs providing legal and related assistance to poor persons in the District of Columbia who would otherwise be unable to obtain legal assistance;and (2) up to fifteen percent for those programs to improve the administration of justice in the District of Columbia as are specifically approved from time to time by this court.
   (j) Definitions. As used in this rule, the terms below shall have the following meanings: 

(1) "Allowable reasonable fees" for DC IOLTA accounts are per check charges, per deposit charges, a fee in lieu of a minimum balance, federal deposit insurance fees, sweep fees, and a reasonable DC IOLTA account administrative or maintenance fee.
(2) "Foundation" means the District of Columbia Bar Foundation, Inc.
(3) "Interest- or dividend-bearing account" means (i) an interest-bearing account, or (ii) an investment product which is a daily (overnight) financial institution repurchase agreement or an open-end money-market fund. A daily (overnight) financial institution repurchase agreement must be fully collateralized by U.S. Government Securities and may be established only with an eligible institution that is "well-capitalized" or "adequately capitalized" as those terms are defined by applicable federal statutes and regulations. An open-end money-¬market fund must be invested solely in U.S. Government Securities or repurchase agreements fully collateralized by U.S. Government Securities, must hold itself out as a "money-market fund" as that term is defined by federal statutes and regulations under the Investment Company Act of 1940, and, at the time of the investment, must have total assets of at least $250,000,000.
(4) "DC IOLTA account" means an interest- or dividend-bearing account established by a lawyer or law firm for IOLTA-eligible funds at a financial institution from which funds may be withdrawn upon request by the depositor as soon as permitted by law.
(5) "IOLTA-eligible funds" means those funds from a client or third-party that are nominal in amount or are expected to be held for a short period of time, and that cannot earn income for the client or third party in excess of the costs incurred to secure such income.
(6) "Law Firm" - Includes a partnership of lawyers, a professional or non-profit corporation of lawyers, and combination thereof engaged in the practice of law.
(7) "Financial Institution" - Includes banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, savings banks and any other business that accepts for deposit funds held in trust by lawyers or law firms which is authorized by federal, District of Columbia, or state law to do business in the District of Columbia or the state in which the financial institution is situated and that maintains accounts which are insured by an agency or instrumentality of the United States.