What is the primary purpose of Model Rule 1.6 confidentiality?

• A. To protect the confidentiality of information relating to the representation, with limited exceptions.
• B. To ensure clients never learn about lawyer disclosures.
• C. To allow disclosure of confidential information to the media.
• D. To protect the public interest over client confidentiality.

Answer: (A)

Protection of client confidences is the central aim of Model Rule 1.6. It ensures clients can speak openly with their lawyer, which is essential for the attorney to give informed, effective representation. The rule generally bars disclosure of information relating to the representation, with narrowly defined exceptions—for example, to prevent reasonably certain death or substantial bodily harm; to prevent, mitigate, or rectify substantial harm caused by the client; to obtain legal advice about compliance; to defend the lawyer in a dispute with the client; or when disclosure is required by law or a court order. Because the primary purpose is safeguarding client confidences, the statement that it protects the confidentiality of information relating to the representation, with limited exceptions, is the best description. The other options overstate or misstate the rule: disclosure to the media isn’t allowed; confidentiality isn’t about hiding disclosures from clients; and it isn’t about placing the public interest above client confidentiality.