Are lawyers allowed to talk about their clients?

Asked by: Miss Shannon Stiedemann  |  Last update: July 3, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (1 votes)

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.

Can lawyers talk about their clients?

Attorney-client privilege typically stays in effect indefinitely, even after the client's death. In other words, lawyers can never divulge a client's secrets without the client's consent. This privilege prevents lawyers from having to testify about statements from the client.

What is the most common complaint against a lawyer?

According to the ABA, the most common attorney discipline complaints filed with the bar association involve:
  • Neglect.
  • Lack of communication.
  • Misrepresentation or dishonesty.
  • Scope of representation.
  • Fee disputes.

What is the no contact rule in law?

Rule 4.2—commonly known as the “no contact rule”—provides: “In representing a client, a lawyer shall not communicate about the subject of the representation with a person the lawyer knows to be represented by another lawyer in the matter, unless the lawyer has the consent of the other lawyer or is authorized to do so ...

Are you allowed to disclose who your clients are?

lawyer-client relationship of trust and prevents a lawyer from revealing the client's information even when not subjected to such compulsion. Thus, a lawyer may not reveal such information except with the informed consent* of the client or as authorized or required by the State Bar Act, these rules, or other law.

How should your lawyer communicate with you as a client?

22 related questions found

What client information is not confidential?

You will not have a duty of confidence if you are being used by a client to perpetrate a fraud, and, by analogy, any other crime. The common law has long recognised that information of this nature cannot be confidential.

What should you not share with clients?

Six Secrets to NOT share with Customers
  • Referring to other customers. Customers like to feel that they are your only customer, especially if they do a lot of business with you. ...
  • Internal Affairs. ...
  • How the customer's needs compare to yours. ...
  • TMI! ...
  • Obvious product features. ...
  • Technical Jargon. ...
  • The training solution.

What is rule 2/100?

(A) While representing a client, a member shall not communicate directly or indirectly about the subject of the representation with a party the member knows to be represented by another lawyer in the matter, unless the member has the consent of the other lawyer.

What is the strict no contact rule?

In the simplest terms, the no-contact rule is exactly what it sounds like: you cut off all communication with your ex after a breakup. We're talking a full digital detox—no texts, no calls, no lurking on their social media and definitely no “accidental” run-ins at the places you know they'll be.

How long does an attorney have to respond to another attorney?

However, a general expectation is to respond within a reasonable time, which is often interpreted as a few days to a week, taking into account the circumstances and professional courtesy within the legal community.

How do you know you have a bad lawyer?

Any behavior that compromises professionalism, such as rudeness, tardiness, or lack of respect for client confidentiality, should raise concerns about the lawyer's competence. Additionally, ethical misconduct or disciplinary actions by regulatory authorities may indicate a lack of integrity and competence.

What should you not say to a lawyer?

Eight Things You Shouldn't Say to Your Lawyer
  • Do Not Say Anything to Your Attorney That Is Not True. ...
  • Do Not Exaggerate Your Injuries When Talking to Your Lawyer. ...
  • Do Not Tell Your Lawyer to Act On Your Behalf and Take Other Action Without Their Awareness.

What makes an attorney unethical?

Attorney misconduct may include: conflict of interest, overbilling, false or misleading statements, knowingly pursuing frivolous and meritless lawsuits, concealing evidence, abandoning a client, failing to disclose all relevant facts, arguing a position while neglecting to disclose prior law which might counter the ...

What are my rights as a client of a lawyer?

You are entitled to an attorney who will be capable of handling your case; show you courtesy and consideration at all times; represent you zealously; and preserve your confidences and secrets that you reveal in the course of the relationship, to the extent permitted by law.

What are two exceptions to attorney-client confidentiality?

There are two major exceptions to the lawyer-client privilege under the California Evidence Code, as discussed below.
  • 2.1. Crime or fraud. ...
  • 2.2. Preventing death or substantial physical harm.

Can lawyers text their clients?

While text messaging may feel more informal, lawyer texts are still considered client communication. So, it's your responsibility to retain copies just as you would with emails or written correspondence.

Who usually breaks no contact first?

Let your ex be the first one to break the no contact rule, especially if you're following it to try and get them back. It's easy to fall into a pattern of worrying about what other people think, but if reaching out to your ex and breaking the no contact rule is what's best for you, do it.

What is the 21 no contact rule?

The “no contact rule” is a 21-day period of intentional silence after someone has broken up with us.

How to get your ex back with no contact?

Be vague about how long you want to stay no-contact. If your ex asks, just be honest and say something like "I don't know—I just need some time to myself to regroup." Avoid giving them an exact date or telling them it's temporary. They'll miss you more if they don't know that they'll hear from you in a month or two.

What is Rule 20 in court?

When an indictment is pending against a person in another district, the person may state in writing that he or she wishes to plead guilty, to waive trial and to consent to a disposition in the district in which he finds himself.

What does disinterested mean in law?

(14) The term “disinterested person” means a person that— (A) is not a creditor, an equity security holder, or an insider; (B) is not and was not, within 2 years before the date of the filing of the petition, a director, officer, or employee of the debtor; and (C) does not have an interest materially adverse to the ...

What is a rule 52?

Harmless and Plain Error. (a) Harmless Error. Any error, defect, irregularity, or variance that does not affect substantial rights must be disregarded.

What not to discuss with clients?

Learn how to build rapport by first knowing the topics that you should never discuss with clients.
  • Religion. People don't always know how to interact with others of different ethnic or religious backgrounds. ...
  • Politics. ...
  • Gossip. ...
  • Regrets. ...
  • Sex. ...
  • Health. ...
  • Final Thoughts.

What is client confidentiality in law?

Communications between your attorney and you are confidential unless you want your attorney to share the information. “Confidential” means that your attorney and their legal staff will not share. information about you or your case with anyone unless you say they may. A law.

What information can you not share?

For example, sharing certain information like someone's sexual preference, ethnicity, medical condition or political views could lead to discrimination. So you not only need to have a lawful basis, but you also need to take extra steps to keep sensitive data safe.