Discovery. In any disciplinary proceeding or action taken by the disciplinary board,

discovery is permitted as provided in Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure 1.501(2) and 1.501(3), 1.502 through 1.504, 1.505(2), 1.506, 1.508 through 1.517, 1.701, 1.704, 1.705, and 1.707 through 1.717. The attorney against whom a complaint is filed, in addition to the restriction stated in Iowa Rule of Civil Procedure 1.503(1), is not required to answer an interrogatory pursuant to Iowa Rule of Civil Procedure 1.509, a request for admission pursuant to Iowa Rule of Civil Procedure 1.510, a question upon oral examination pursuant to Iowa Rule of Civil Procedure 1.701, or a question upon written interrogatories pursuant to Iowa Rule of Civil Procedure 1.710, if the answer would be self-incriminatory. In addition, evidence and testimony may be perpetuated as provided in Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure 1.721 through 1.728. If either party will use discovery, it must commence within 30 days after service of the complaint unless the parties agree to a later date. The grievance commission may permit amendments to the complaint to conform to the proof or to raise new matters as long as the respondent has notice and a reasonable time to prepare a defense prior to the date set for hearing. The grievance commission or any grievance commission division may receive an application and may enter an order to enforce discovery or to perpetuate any evidence. Discovery pursuant to this rule includes a respondent’s right to obtain a copy of the disciplinary board’s file pursuant to Iowa Court Rule 35.4(4). [Court Order January 26, 2016, effective April 1, 2016; December 13, 2017, effective January 1, 2018; October 27, 2025] COMMENT: