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

• A. To prevent crime or fraud
• B. To comply with the rules of the court
• C. To reveal confidential information to a non-client to gain an advantage
• D. To establish a claim or defense for the lawyer

Answer: (C)

Confidential information from the attorney‑client relationship stays private, but there are narrow, well-defined exceptions that permit disclosure. The rules allow a lawyer to reveal information when doing so helps prevent a crime or fraud that could cause substantial harm, or when disclosure is required to comply with the law or a court process. They also permit disclosure to defend the lawyer or the client in certain disputes related to the representation, or to obtain legal advice about how to comply with the ethics rules.

Revealing confidential information to a non‑client to gain an outside advantage does not fit any of these permissible bases. It would undermine the duty of confidentiality and is not an approved exception. Therefore, that option is not allowed, while the other scenarios reflect valid, limited grounds for disclosure.