When providing an evaluation to a third party about a matter affecting a client, under what condition may the lawyer do so without client consent?

• A. If the evaluation is compatible with the lawyer's relationship with the client
• B. If the third party requests it
• C. If the lawyer is paid
• D. If the evaluation is favorable

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that confidential information about a client can be shared with third parties without the client's explicit consent if doing so is compatible with the lawyer’s relationship with the client. In practice, this means sharing information with others who are necessary to provide the legal services—experts, consultants, or other professionals who are integral to evaluating or handling the matter. As long as the disclosure stays within what is reasonably necessary to carry out the representation and serves the purpose of providing legal services, it does not require separate client authorization.

So, an evaluation to a third party is permissible when it fits the ongoing relationship and purpose of the representation, not merely because a third party asks for it, nor because the lawyer happens to be paid or the evaluation happens to be favorable.