can a massachusetts attorney divulge client confidence when he is not paid

by Dr. Jamison Hessel 4 min read

Under the rule, attorneys may not divulge their clients' secrets, nor may others force them to. The purpose of the privilege is to encourage clients to openly share information with their lawyers and to let lawyers effectively represent their clients.

What is the scope of the attorney-client privilege in Massachusetts?

Feb 22, 2022 · Protection, 429 Mass. 798, 801-806 (1999), which states that under the Massachusetts public records statute, G. L. c. 66, § 10, documents held by a State agency are not protected from disclosure under the attorney work-product doctrine, but rather enjoy the more limited protection of the so-called "deliberative process" exemption found in G. L. c. 4, § 7, …

Can a lawyer disclose what potential clients reveal in confidence?

Preliminary communications between a potential client and a lawyer are normally subject to the attorney-client privilege. That means that lawyers can't disclose what potential clients reveal in confidence even if the lawyers never end up representing them. (In re Auclair, 961 F.2d 65 (5th Cir. 1992).) To be sure, though, you should confirm with a lawyer you haven't hired that the privilege …

What is a client in Massachusetts law?

the attorney should refuse to disclose it." Once a client's identity is determined to fall under the protec- tion of the privilege, the protection is not absolute. An attorney is obligated to disclose his client's identity, regardless of whether it is privileged if his client is a party to a pending 1itigation.lThe cli-

When does a lawyer have to discuss a matter with a client?

In general, as long as the prospective client is seeking legal advice or representation and reasonably believes the communication will be confidential, the consultation is privileged. This is so even if the would-be client never pays or hires the attorney. (But if the attorney declines to represent a potential client who nevertheless continues to communicate with the attorney, the …

What is the lawyer's duty of confidentiality?

The duty of confidentiality applies to all confidential information about a client's affairs, no matter how the solicitor came by that information.

Can lawyers disclose information?

Section 126 of the Act prohibits an attorney from disclosing an attorney-client privileged communication. The communication may be of any form and nature, verbal or documentary. It even covers facts observed by an attorney in the course and purpose of the attorney-client relationship.May 8, 2019

What is the client confidentiality rule?

Client confidentiality is the principle that an institution or individual should not reveal information about their clients to a third party without the consent of the client or a clear legal reason.

Under what circumstances can an attorney reveal information about the client that the attorney obtained during the representation of that client?

(a) A lawyer shall not reveal information relating to the representation of a client unless the client gives informed consent, the disclosure is impliedly authorized in order to carry out the representation or the disclosure is permitted by paragraph (b).

When can you disclose information about a client?

You can disclose a patient's health information to a 'responsible person' where: the patient lacks the capacity to consent or is unable to communicate consent, and. the disclosure is either necessary to provide appropriate treatment, or is made for compassionate reasons.Sep 6, 2019

What is considered confidential client information?

Confidential client information is any client information that is not available to the public. Confidential information may include technology, trade secrets, information pertaining to business operations and strategies, and information pertaining to customers, pricing and marketing.Jan 11, 2022

Can lawyers breach confidentiality?

When can a solicitor breach confidentiality? A solicitor cannot be under a duty of confidentiality if the client is trying to use them or the firm to commit fraud or other crimes. A client cannot make a solicitor the confidant of a crime and expect them to close up their lips upon any secret they dare to disclose.Jan 7, 2021

Do lawyers have to keep confidentiality?

The duty of confidentiality prevents lawyers from even informally discussing information related to their clients' cases with others. They must ordinarily keep private almost all information related to representation of the client, even if that information didn't come from the client.

What would be considered a breach of confidentiality?

What is a breach of confidentiality? In short, a confidentiality breach is the disclosure of information to someone without the consent of the person who owns it. In other words, failing to respect a person's privacy or the confidence in which they gave the information or data to you, by passing it onto someone else.Feb 24, 2021

Under what circumstances can an attorney reveal information about the client that the attorney obtained during the representation of that client quizlet?

A lawyer shall reveal information relating to the representation of a client to the extent the lawyer reasonably believes necessary to prevent reasonably certain death or substantial bodily harm.

Are client names confidential?

"In most situations, the identity of a client is not considered confidential and in such circumstances Attorney may disclose the fact of the representation to Prospective Client without Witness Client's consent." Citing to Los Angeles County Bar Association Professional Responsibility and Ethics Committee Op.Mar 14, 2018

What information is covered by the duty of confidentiality?

In common law jurisdictions, the duty of confidentiality obliges solicitors (or attorneys) to respect the confidentiality of their clients' affairs. Information that solicitors obtain about their clients' affairs may be confidential, and must not be used for the benefit of persons not authorized by the client.

Who can claim a privilege?

The privilege may be claimed by the client, the client's guardian or conservator, the personal representative of a deceased client, or the successor, trustee, or similar representative of a corporation, association, or other organization whether or not in existence at the time the privilege is claimed .

What is Section 502?

As amended through June 18, 2021. Section 502 - Attorney-Client Privilege. (a) Definitions. As used in this section, the following words shall have the following meanings: (1) A "client" is a person, public officer, or corporation, association, or other entity, either public or private, who is rendered professional legal services by an attorney, ...

What is privileged attorney?

The attorney-client privilege is a rule that preserves the confidentiality of communications between lawyers and clients. Under that rule, attorneys may not divulge their clients' secrets, nor may others force them to. The purpose of the privilege is to encourage clients ...

Why is confidentiality important in law?

The duty of confidentiality prevents lawyers from even informally discussing information related to their clients' cases with others. They must keep private almost all information related to representation of the client, even if that information didn't come from the client.

What is the client privilege?

The Client's Privilege. Generally, the attorney-client privilege applies when: an actual or potential client communicates with a lawyer regarding legal advice. the lawyer is acting in a professional capacity (rather than, for example, as a friend), and. the client intended the communications to be private and acted accordingly.

What is an example of a civil suit?

Example: In a civil suit regarding allegedly stolen funds, the judge orders the defense to turn over to the plaintiff documentation of conversations between the defendant and his attorney. The defense argues that the attorney-client privilege applies, and that the documents are protected. But the documents relate to plans between ...

Can an attorney disclose client secrets?

Under that rule, attorneys may not divulge their clients' secrets, nor may others force them to. The purpose of the privilege is to encourage clients to openly share information with their lawyers and to let lawyers provide effective representation.

Is attorney client privilege inadmissible?

If someone were to surreptitiously record the conversation, that recording would probably be inadmissible in court.

Can a client forfeit the attorney-client privilege?

No matter who hears or learns about a communication, however, the lawyer typically remains obligated not to repeat it.

What is attorney-client privilege?

An attorney-client relationship generally doesn't form until the lawyer and client agree to it. But the attorney-client privilege protects some communications made before the prospective client hires the attorney, and even some where there's never any hire. (For all kinds of information about lawyer-client relationships, ...

What is the potential client confidentiality principle?

The potential-client-confidentiality principle also comes into play when an arrestee consults with a public defender at or from the police station or jail. The conversation is privileged, even though the public defender does not, and may never, represent the arrestee, and even though the public defender doesn't receive a fee.

Is it a good idea to talk to an attorney who doesn't represent you?

So, it's a good idea to start any communication with an attorney who doesn't represent you by confirming with him or her that your communications will be privileged. Talk to a Lawyer.

Do you have to give consent to a text message from Martindale-Nolo?

You are not required to provide consent as a condition of service. Attorneys have the option, but are not required, to send text messages to you. You will receive up to 2 messages per week from Martindale-Nolo. Frequency from attorney may vary. Message and data rates may apply.

What factors are considered in determining the reasonableness of the lawyer's expectation of confidentiality?

Factors to be considered in determining the reasonableness of the lawyer's expectation of confidentiality include the sensitivity of the information and the extent to which the privacy of the communication is protected by law or by a confidentiality agreement. A client may require the lawyer to implement special security measures not required by ...

What is client lawyer confidentiality?

The rule of client-lawyer confidentiality applies in situations other than those where evidence is sought from the lawyer through compulsion of law. The confidentiality rule, for example, applies not only to matters communicated in confidence by the client but also to all information relating to the representation, whatever its source.

What should a lawyer assert on behalf of the client?

Absent informed consent of the client to do otherwise, the lawyer should assert on behalf of the client all nonfrivolous claims that the order is not authorized by other law or that the information sought is protected against disclosure by the attorney-client privilege or other applicable law.

What is the meaning of paragraph (a) of the 'A' rule?

Under those circumstances, paragraph (a) prohibits disclosure unless the client or former client gives informed consent. A lawyer’s fiduciary duty to the lawyer’s firm may also govern a lawyer’s conduct when exploring an association with another firm and is beyond the scope of these Rules.

What is an authorized disclosure?

[5] Except to the extent that the client's instructions or special circumstances limit that authority, a lawyer is impliedly authorized to make disclosures about a client when appropriate in carrying out the representation.

Why do clients come to lawyers?

Almost without exception, clients come to lawyers in order to determine their rights and what is, in the complex of laws and regulations, deemed to be legal and correct. Based upon experience, lawyers know that almost all clients follow the advice given, and the law is upheld. [3] The principle of client-lawyer confidentiality is given effect by ...

Can a lawyer disclose information?

A lawyer may not disclose such information except as authorized or required by the Rules of Professional Conduct or other law. See also Scope. [4] Paragraph (a) prohibits a lawyer from revealing information relating to the representation of a client.

General Principles

Identifying Conflicts of Interest: Directly Adverse

Identifying Conflicts of Interest: Material Limitation

Lawyer’S Responsibilities to Former Clients and Other Third Persons

Personal Interest Conflicts

Interest of Person Paying For A Lawyer’S Service

  • A lawyer may be paid from a source other than the client, including a co-client, if the client is informed of that fact and consents and the arrangement does not compromise the lawyer’s duty of loyalty or independent judgment to the client. See Rule 1.8(f). If acceptance of the payment from any other source presents a significant risk that the lawy...
See more on mass.gov

Prohibited Representations

Informed Consent

Consent Confirmed in Writing

Revoking Consent