Certified Legal Professional (CLP) Practice Exam

What ethical principle is violated if an attorney shares confidential client information without permission?

1. No, because sharing information can promote justice

2. Yes, because it damages attorney-client privilege

3. Only if the information is used for personal gain

4. Yes, because it may negatively impact the client's case

The correct answer is: Yes, because it damages attorney-client privilege

The principle that is violated when an attorney shares confidential client information without permission is fundamentally rooted in the notion of attorney-client privilege. This privilege is designed to encourage open and honest communication between attorneys and their clients by ensuring that any information disclosed by the client remains confidential. This trust is core to the legal profession, as it allows clients to fully disclose all pertinent facts, enabling attorneys to provide the best possible legal representation. When an attorney breaches this confidentiality, it not only damages the trust established in the attorney-client relationship but also undermines the legal system's integrity. Such breaches can have severe consequences, including harming the client's interests, compromising their legal strategy, and exposing them to potential legal repercussions. The other options do not capture the essence of the ethical violation effectively. While sharing information could theoretically promote justice in certain contexts, it does not justify overriding the client’s right to confidentiality. Likewise, the ethical breach isn't solely dependent on personal gain; any unauthorized disclosure is harmful. Lastly, while it's true that sharing confidential information may negatively impact a client's case, the core issue remains the violation of attorney-client privilege itself.