CONFIDENTIALITY OF MATTERS

UNDER THESE RULES - PENALTIES (a) All disciplinary agencies, their assistants, staff and employees, members of the bar, court reporters, clerks, and receivers are strictly enjoined to keep and maintain confidential, all things arising under these rules and all proceedings thereon. The attorney may make such public statement or disclosure as he desires. The period of confidentiality shall end, however, upon the happening of any of the following events: (i) upon the accused attorney making any public statement or disclosure about a proceeding under these rules; or (ii) a formal complaint under these rules is filed with the clerk of the Mississippi Supreme Court. (b) Disciplinary agencies under these rules shall have authority to share information with law enforcement officials concerning any alleged violation of any federal or state criminal laws by an attorney. (c) These rules shall not prohibit any complainant, the accused attorney, or any witnesses from discussing publicly the existence of the proceeding under these rules or from disclosing any information relating thereto, including the disclosing of any documents involved in the disciplinary proceeding. (d) Statements made pursuant to Rule 16(c), in whatever form or by whatever means, outside the disciplinary process shall not enjoy the immunity provided in Rule 15.