[Victoria]

Professional bodies have a legal responsibility to protect the public from malpractice and also, to protect the integrity of the profession. A client 's right to confidentiality is absolutely fundamental - so the breach is very serious. I'm not familiar with this particular statute, but most self-regulating bodies can initiate action without a formal complaint from a client. So I can't imagine a barristers' society not taking independent action, irrespective of the settlement, or even Ms. Rowling's wishes in the matter.