(a) The State Bar may conduct an investigation of the conduct of the business of a law corporation.
(b) Upon that investigation, the Board of Trustees, or a committee authorized by it, shall have power to issue subpoenas, administer oaths, examine witnesses, and compel the production of records, in the same manner as upon an investigation or formal hearing in a disciplinary matter under the State Bar Act. The investigation shall be private and confidential and shall not be disclosed pursuant to any state law, including, but not limited to, the California Public Records Act (Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1 of the Government Code), except to the extent that disclosure of facts and information may be required if a cease and desist order is thereafter issued and subsequent proceedings are had.
(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 615, Sec. 20. (AB 474) Effective January 1, 2022. Operative January 1, 2023, pursuant to Sec. 463 of Stats. 2021, Ch. 615.)