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

• A. To prevent death or substantial bodily harm
• B. To prevent crime or fraud
• C. To secure legal advice about compliance
• D. To disclose confidential information to a journalist

Answer: (D)

Confidentiality has limited, specific exceptions that let a lawyer reveal information only when it’s reasonably necessary to achieve a legitimate purpose. The allowed reasons include disclosing to prevent death or substantial bodily harm, to prevent crime or fraud that’s reasonably certain to result in substantial harm or financial loss, and to secure legal advice about compliance with the rules. It can also be disclosed to establish a claim or defense for the lawyer, to detect and resolve conflicts of interest, or to comply with law or a court order. Disclosing confidential information to a journalist isn’t tied to any of these permitted purposes, so it isn’t allowed. Even if exposing wrongdoing seems tempting, the rules require consent or one of the approved, narrow exceptions to apply.