Which of the following is NOT a permissible basis for disclosing confidential information?

• A. To prevent crime or fraud
• B. To secure legal advice about compliance
• C. To disclose confidential information to a non-client for personal gain
• D. To comply with the rules of the court

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is that confidentiality has narrow, carefully defined exceptions. Lawyers may disclose confidential information only when it serves a permitted purpose and to the extent necessary. The allowed purposes typically include preventing crime or fraud that’s reasonably certain to cause substantial injury, obtaining legal advice about how to comply with the rules, or complying with a court order or law.

Disclosing confidential information to a non-client for personal gain is not allowed because it isn’t aimed at preventing harm, obtaining legal guidance, or complying with a legal duty. It would unnecessarily expose the client’s confidences for the lawyer’s own benefit, violating the duty of confidentiality.