As amended through November 4, 2024
Rule 7-5.1 - ACCESS TO RECORDS(a) Confidentiality. All matters, including, without limitation, claims proceedings (whether transcribed or not), files, preliminary or final investigation reports, correspondence, memoranda, records of investigation, and records of the committee and the board involving claims for reimbursement from the clients' security fund are property of the bar and are confidential.(b) Publication of Payment Information. After the board has authorized payment of a claim, the bar may publish the nature of the claim, the amount of the reimbursement, and the name of the lawyer who is the subject of the claim. The name, address, and telephone number of the claimant remains confidential unless specific written permission has been granted by the claimant permitting disclosure. Publicity of fund activities is at the discretion of the board.(c) Response to Subpoena. The bar will, under valid subpoena issued by a regulatory agency (including professional discipline agencies) or other law enforcement agencies, provide any documents that are otherwise confidential under this rule unless precluded by court order. The bar may charge a reasonable fee for the reproduction of the documents.(d) Response to False or Misleading Statements. The bar may make any disclosure necessary to correct a false or misleading statement made concerning a claim.(e) Statistical Information. Statistical information or analyses that are compiled by the bar from matters designated as confidential by this rule are not confidential.(f) Evidence of Crime. The confidential nature of these proceedings will not preclude the giving of any information or testimony to authorities authorized to investigate alleged criminal activity.Added effective 10/29/1992 (608 So.2d 472); amended 12/13/2013, by the Board of Governors of The Florida Bar, effective 12/13/2013; amended and effective 3/29/2019 by the Board of Governors of The Florida Bar.