Notification of respondent; response

35.6(1) The disciplinary board must forward to the respondent a copy of the complaint and a copy of chapter 35 of the Iowa Court Rules. However, if a potential complaint is declined pursuant to rule 35.4(1), the disciplinary board need not notify the respondent and no response is required. 35.6(2) The disciplinary board may forward the complaint to the respondent by restricted certified mail, marked “Confidential,” to the respondent’s last address as shown by records accessible to the supreme court, or the board may serve the complaint by personal service in the manner of an original notice in civil suits. 35.6(3) If service cannot be obtained pursuant to rule 35.6(2), the disciplinary board may serve the complaint on the supreme court clerk, who is appointed to receive service on behalf of attorneys subject to Iowa’s disciplinary authority. Iowa R. Prof’l Conduct 32:8.5 cmt. [1]. Service upon the supreme court clerk is deemed to be receipt of the complaint by the respondent. Simultaneously with serving a complaint on the supreme court clerk, the disciplinary board must forward the complaint to the respondent by restricted certified mail, marked “Confidential,” to the respondent’s last address as shown by records accessible to the supreme court, and the board must file with the supreme court clerk an affidavit attesting that it has done so. 35.6(4) The respondent must provide a written response within 20 days of receipt of the complaint. [Court Order January 26, 2016, effective April 1, 2016; December 13, 2017, effective January 1, 2018; July 11, 2023] COMMENT: