Which ethical rule prohibits attorneys and paralegals from disclosing information about a client or a client's case?

Which ethical rule prohibits attorneys and paralegals from disclosing information about a client or a client's case?

• A. Confidentiality
• B. Attorney-client privilege
• C. Conflict of interest
• D. Unauthorized practice of law

Answer: (A)

The duty of confidentiality requires attorneys and paralegals not to disclose information about a client or the client’s case. This obligation covers all information obtained in the course of representing the client, from notes and documents to conversations and strategies, and it applies to everyone who works on the matter. It remains in effect even after the representation ends and is broader than what courts recognize as attorney-client privilege. Attorney-client privilege, while important, is a narrower concept that protects certain communications from being disclosed in court. It doesn’t govern day-to-day handling of information outside court proceedings the way confidentiality does. The other options—conflict of interest and unauthorized practice of law—address different ethical issues: conflicts arise when representing clients with opposing interests, and unauthorized practice of law concerns who may perform legal tasks.

The duty of confidentiality requires attorneys and paralegals not to disclose information about a client or the client’s case. This obligation covers all information obtained in the course of representing the client, from notes and documents to conversations and strategies, and it applies to everyone who works on the matter. It remains in effect even after the representation ends and is broader than what courts recognize as attorney-client privilege.

Attorney-client privilege, while important, is a narrower concept that protects certain communications from being disclosed in court. It doesn’t govern day-to-day handling of information outside court proceedings the way confidentiality does. The other options—conflict of interest and unauthorized practice of law—address different ethical issues: conflicts arise when representing clients with opposing interests, and unauthorized practice of law concerns who may perform legal tasks.