Attorney-Client Privilege Disclosure to Disciplinary Commission

The Supervising Authority reviewed an application by an attorney seeking release from attorney-client privilege to disclose information to the Disciplinary Commission of the local bar association concerning professional misconduct allegations against another attorney, finding that while client consent is generally presumed necessary for disclosure, the procedural requirement under the unified bar rules compelling an attorney to first approach the local association before initiating legal action against a colleague means the client implicitly accepts disclosure before the Disciplinary Commission if necessary to pursue the client's interests or the complaining attorney's exoneration. Therefore, the authority granted the attorney release from the duty of confidentiality toward the Disciplinary Commission to the extent required for asserting the client's claims or for the attorney's self-exoneration, waiving prior consultation with the client because the client's interest in pursuing the matter necessitates this step.