Which of the following statements is true regarding client confidentiality?

Client confidentiality is a fundamental principle in the practice of law, protecting the information clients share with their attorneys. This principle is enshrined in the rules of professional conduct and emphasizes that lawyers must maintain confidentiality at all times.

The statement indicating that client confidentiality must be maintained unless a specific exception applies is accurate because it recognizes that there are certain established exceptions to the confidentiality rule. These exceptions can arise from situations such as the necessity to prevent certain types of harm, compliance with court orders, or situations where the client has given informed consent to disclose information. Therefore, the duty to protect client information is not absolute but is defined by these specific contexts.

This understanding underscores the importance of confidentiality throughout the attorney-client relationship and afterwards, as the obligation persists even after the representation has ended. This is crucial for maintaining trust in the attorney-client relationship and ensuring that clients feel secure in sharing sensitive information without fear of it being disclosed improperly.