Can a lawyer share your information?

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.

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.

What happens if a solicitor breaches confidentiality?

If your solicitor is in breach of their professional standards, has discriminated against you or has acted dishonestly, you can take your case to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The SRA will investigate your case and has the power to impose fines or even to close a firm.

Are solicitors advice confidential?

Legal advice privilege covers confidential communication or discussions between you and your lawyer for the purpose of giving you or receiving legal advice. Such information will not be allowed for inspection to the other party. As long as the communication is confidential it will not be allowed for inspection.

Is everything you tell a solicitor confidential?

The general rule is that a solicitor must keep the affairs of their client confidential unless disclosure is required or permitted by law or the client consents. You will not be under a duty of confidentiality if the client is trying to use you or the firm to perpetrate a fraud or other crime.

Are conversations with solicitors confidential?

Can my lawyer scream at me?

No. The attorney should be professional, as should the client.

Can a lawyer disclose confidential information to a client without permission?

The privilege generally stays in effect even after the attorney-client relationship ends, and even after the client dies. In other words, the lawyer can never divulge the client’s secrets without the client’s permission, unless some kind of exception (see below) applies.

Do solicitors have a duty to protect confidential information?

The majority of solicitors and employees in law firms understand that they are under a duty to protect confidential information relating to their relationship with clients.

Does a lawyer’s decision not to disclose violate this rule?

A lawyer’s decision not to disclose as permitted by paragraph (b) does not violate this Rule. Disclosure may be required, however, by other Rules. Some Rules require disclosure only if such disclosure would be permitted by paragraph (b).

Is disclosure of information to US legal privilege?

The issues around disclosure to us and legal privilege are dealt with in our guidance on reporting and notification obligations. Disclosure of information is only allowed where the client consents to it or it is permitted by law.