Ethics Opinions

Disclosure of Client Confidences in Defense of Legal Malpractice Claim

 

Opinion rules that an attorney may disclose client confidences necessary to protect her reputation where a claim alleging malpractice is brought by a former client against the insurance company which employed the attorney to represent the former client.

 

Inquiry:

 

Insurance Company A hired law firm N to represent client Z in a lawsuit. This representation of Z was provided under reservation of rights, since Insurance Company A contended that various claims in the complaint against Z were not covered by its policy. Z also retained private counsel. Eventually, the lawsuit was settled. Thereafter, Z sought to recover damages against Insurance Company A for, inter alia, alleged inadequate representation of Z by law firm N. What confidences of Z, if any, may law firm N reveal to Insurance Company A? Does the answer change if law firm N is still representing Z for the purpose of getting an escrow agreement signed as part of the settlement of the original lawsuit?

 

Opinion:

 

Rule 4(c)(5) provides that an attorney may reveal confidential information "to the extent the lawyer reasonably believes necessary...to respond to allegations in any proceeding concerning the lawyer's representation of the client."

 

The lawsuit between Insurance Company A and Z is a "proceeding concerning the lawyer's representation" of N. It is not necessary that law firm N be a party to the suit. Law firm N may therefore reveal confidences to the extent necessary to clear its name of the charge of inadequate representation, but should take care not to reveal confidences that are not necessary to its defense. The Rule 4(c)(5) exception to the confidentiality rule applies both to current and former clients. Therefore, law firm N may reveal confidences necessary to defend itself, even if it is representing Z in the escrow agreement matter.