Law Business Essentials

Many law firm websites include the names of clients and matters on which the lawyers have acted. Details of client identities or retainers are confidential, and you must seek client consent, which needs to be fully informed and voluntary, before posting such information in any advertising. Even if the client’s identity is not explicitly divulged, other information in the narrative may reveal the client’s identity or, worse yet, your advice to the client.

It is important to remember that confidential information goes beyond what is privileged. Confidential information includes all information concerning a client’s business, interests and affairs acquired in the course of the lawyer-client relationship and may include information known to third parties. While some information may be a matter of public record, you are not allowed to make any disclosure that may be contrary to the client’s interests. Even acknowledging that you represent a client is considered a breach.