(a) Powers and duties. Disciplinary Counsel shall have the power and duty:
(1) To employ and supervise such staff as may be necessary for the performance of Disciplinary Counsel's duties, subject to budget limitations established by the Board.
(2) To investigate all matters involving alleged misconduct by an attorney subject to the disciplinary jurisdiction of this Court which may come to the attention of Disciplinary Counsel or the Board from any source whatsoever, where the apparent facts, if true, may warrant discipline. Except in matters requiring dismissal because the complaint is clearly unfounded on its face or falls outside the disciplinary jurisdiction of the Court, no disposition shall be recommended or undertaken by Disciplinary Counsel until the accused attorney shall have been afforded an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
(3) Upon prior approval of a Contact Member, to dispose of all matters involving alleged misconduct by an attorney subject to the disciplinary jurisdiction of the Court, by dismissal or informal admonition or by referral of charges;or upon prior approval of a member of the Board on Professional Responsibility, by diversion;or by negotiated disposition.
(4) To prosecute all disciplinary proceedings before Hearing Committees, the Board, and the Court. When appearing before the Court, Disciplinary Counsel may, after notice to the Board, argue for a disposition other than that contained in the report and recommendation of the Board.
(5) To appear at hearings on petitions for reinstatement of suspended or disbarred attorneys, to examine witnesses testifying in support of such petitions, and to present available evidence, if any, in opposition thereto.
(6) To maintain permanent records of all matters processed and the disposition thereof, except that files of cases which have been dismissed may be destroyed after ten years.
(7) To file with the Court and the Board certificates of convictions of attorneys convicted of crimes, and certified copies of disciplinary orders concerning attorneys issued in other jurisdictions.
(8) To submit to the Court at regular intervals, at least twice a year, a list of cases resulting in informal admonitions by Disciplinary Counsel or reprimands by the Board.
(b) Prohibition of private practice. Disciplinary Counsel shall not engage in the private practice of law, except that the Board may authorize a reasonable period of transition after appointment.