SCR 22.40

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, all papers, files,

transcripts, and communications relating to an allegation of attorney

misconduct, an investigation pursuant to SCR Chapters 10, 22, and 31,

and monitoring compliance with conditions, suspension, or revocation

imposed by the supreme court, are to be held in confidence by the

director and staff of the office of lawyer regulation, special

investigators, the members of the special preliminary review panel, and

the members of the preliminary review committee. Following the filing

of a complaint or petition, the proceeding and all papers filed in it are

public, except where expressly provided otherwise in this chapter, by

court order, or by law.

(2) The director may provide relevant information to the

respondent, to the grievant, to an appropriate authority for the

appointment of judges, to other attorney or judicial disciplinary

agencies, to other jurisdictions investigating qualifications for

admission to practice, and to law enforcement agencies investigating

qualifications for government employment. The supreme court may

authorize the release of confidential information to other persons or

agencies.

(3) The director may provide relevant information to a district

attorney or U.S. attorney where there is substantial evidence of an

attorney's possible criminal conduct.

(4) If there is publicity concerning the fact that an attorney is the

subject of an investigation or disciplinary or medical incapacity

proceeding, the director may issue an explanatory statement. If there is

publicity concerning alleged misconduct or medical incapacity of an

attorney and it is determined that there is no basis for further

proceedings and there is no recommendation of discipline, the director

may issue an explanatory statement.

(5) In order to provide guidance to the bar, the director may

provide the state bar of Wisconsin a summary of facts and violations of

the rules of professional conduct for attorneys in a matter in which a

private reprimand has been imposed. The summary shall be published

in an official publication of the state bar of Wisconsin but may not

disclose information identifying the attorney reprimanded.

(6) The director may provide relevant information to the

supreme court when seeking the temporary suspension of an attorney's

license.

(7) The director may provide relevant information to a state bar

lawyer assistance program when making a referral pursuant to SCR

21.03(9).