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

• A. To solicit new clients
• B. To prevent death or substantial bodily harm
• C. To secure legal advice about compliance
• D. To comply with the rules of the court

Answer: (A)

Maintaining client confidences is fundamental, and disclosures are allowed only in tightly limited situations. The option that involves revealing confidential information to solicit new clients is not permissible because it uses the confidential material for marketing rather than to protect someone from harm or to meet a legitimate legal or ethical duty. The other three bases fit recognized exceptions: disclosing to prevent death or substantial bodily harm is allowed to avert serious harm; disclosing to secure legal advice about compliance is allowed so the lawyer can conform with laws and rules; and disclosing to comply with the rules of the court is allowed when required by court procedures. So the only non-permissible basis here is disclosing confidential information to solicit new clients.