Attorney Discipline Rule 10: Access to Information
Rules of Practice and Internal Operating Procedures of the Federal Circuit — Federal Circuit Attorney Discipline Rules
(a) Confidentiality During Proceedings.
An ongoing disciplinary proceeding is confidential (1) unless the attorney subject to the proceeding requests that it be made a public record or (2) except to the extent that a panel may disclose the subject matter and status of a proceeding if the proceeding is based on a conviction of a serious crime, or an allegation that has become generally known to the public, or there is a need to notify another person or entity to protect the public, the legal profession, or the administration of justice.
(b) Confidentiality Upon Issuance of a Final Order.
A final order issuing a private reprimand or imposing no discipline and the record of those proceedings are confidential unless the attorney subject to the proceeding requests that it be made a public record. If other discipline is imposed, a final order and the record will be made a public record at the time of issuance of a final order. However, a panel may issue a permanent protective order prohibiting the disclosure of any part of the record to protect the interest of a complainant, a witness, a third party or nonparty, or the attorney.