ER 1.6 Confidentiality of Information
The Standard
A lawyer may not reveal information relating to the representation of a client, and a lawyer must make reasonable efforts to prevent inadvertent or unauthorized disclosure or access to client information.
The Limitation
A lawyer may disclose client information only if: (1) the client gives informed consent; (2) the disclosure is impliedly authorized to carry out the representation; (3) the disclosure is permitted or required by an express provision of ER 1.6; or (4) as required by an ER 3.3 duty to take remedial measures.
FAQs
Immediately notify opposing counsel of the mistake so that opposing counsel can appropriately deal with the inadvertently received information under ER 4.4. Communicate the accidental disclosure to the client, as ER 1.4 requires. Depending on the totality of circumstances, you may have to withdraw under ER 1.16.
ER 1.6 trumps ER 8.3. Encourage the client to allow your report if it will not prejudice the client’s interests. Consider whether you can report without disclosing client information. But if not, and the client does not consent, then you are not required to report. See Ariz. Ethics Op. 90-13.
Yes, if you reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent your client from causing death or substantial bodily injury. See ER 1.6(b).
The duty of confidentiality survives the representation. See ER 1.9(c). Absent the former client's consent to disclosure, you should object to the subpoena. If the court overrules your objection, discuss with the client whether to seek review of that decision before you comply with the court order. See Comment 15 to ER 1.6 and Ariz. Ethics Op. 00-11.
A lawyer’s broad duty to protect client confidences requires extra vigilance in an irregular/remote work setting. Ensure your home practices and computer/internet systems are secure and safeguard the confidentiality of client communications and information/files. This may require consulting a competent technology expert. See ER 1.6(e) and Comment 22; ER 1.1 and Comment 6; Ariz. Ethics Ops. 09-04 and 05-04.
You’ll need your client’s informed consent. ER 1.6(a) prohibits a lawyer from revealing information relating to the representation of a client. This is true even for information that may otherwise be available to the public. See ABA Formal Op. 479.
ER 1.6 is very broad and does not contain an exception for this situation. You will need to obtain client consent to disclose in the application process any information related to representation.
ER 1.6 applies to these communications and precludes disclosures, absent client’s informed consent or implied authorization. When in doubt, seek client’s consent as to what to disclose/provide to new counsel in your transfer of the representation. See (binding) Attorney Ethics Advisory Committee Ethics Op. EO-20-0001.
Not without client consent. The duty of confidentiality survives the representation and there is no public records exception. See ABA Formal Op. 479.
Yes, pursuant to ERs 1.9(c) and 1.18(b).
Not without client consent. ER 1.6 applies not only to client confidences but to all information relating to the representation, whatever its source, unless an exception in ER 1.6 authorizes disclosure.
Disclosing client information always should be narrowly tailored to the purpose/request. Further, use available protective measures, such as disclosing in camera, ex parte and/or under seal.
Motions to withdraw should be “quiet.” Listing the horrible things the client has does is a “noisy” withdrawal. Absent client’s informed consent to more, you should only state that “professional considerations require termination of the representation.” See Comment 3 to ER 1.16; see generally Maricopa Co. Public Def. v. Super. Ct, 187 Ariz. 162 (App. 1996).
Best Practices
- ER 1.1 Competence
- ER 1.2 Scope of Representation
- ER 1.3 Diligence
- ER 1.4 Communication
- ER 1.5 Fees
- ER 1.6 Confidentiality of Information
- ERs 1.7 & 1.10 Conflicts of Interest and Screening Tips
- ER 1.8 Conflict of Interest: Current Clients: Specific Rules
- ER 1.9 Duties to Former Clients
- ER 1.11 Special Conflicts of Interest for Former and Current Government Officers and Employees
- ER 1.13 Organization as Client
- ER 1.14 Client with Diminished Capacity
- ER 1.15 Safekeeping Property
- ER 1.16 Declining or Terminating Representation
- ER 2.4 Lawyer Serving as Third-Party Neutral
- ER 8.3 Reporting Professional Misconduct