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

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

Answer: (B)

Disclosures of confidential information are allowed only under a few narrow exceptions that protect people, the attorney’s duties to the court, or the integrity of the legal process. Among those, it is permissible to reveal information to prevent reasonably certain death or substantial bodily harm, to secure legal advice about compliance with the rules or the law, and to comply with the rules of the court. These bases exist to address real risks, ensure proper legal oversight, and follow legal obligations without undermining a client’s trust.

Using confidential information to solicit new clients is not allowed. Revealing client confidences for marketing purposes would erode the purpose of confidentiality—to encourage candor and protect the client’s interests—so it falls outside the permitted exceptions. Separate rules govern how lawyers market their services, but they do not authorize disclosing confidential information for the sake of obtaining new business.