When may a lawyer disclose information regarding a future act that could cause significant harm?

A lawyer may disclose information regarding a future act that could cause significant harm specifically when there is a credible threat of death or substantial bodily harm. This is in line with the Model Rules of Professional Conduct, which acknowledge a lawyer’s responsibility to prevent serious harm.

In situations where a client reveals intentions or plans that could lead to grave consequences such as death or serious injury to themselves or others, lawyers have an ethical obligation to act in a way that protects public safety. This justification is rooted in the principle that the legal profession holds a duty not only to clients but also to society at large.

While financial impacts or client expressions may invoke different ethical considerations, they don't equate to the urgency or severity associated with threats to life or physical integrity. Similarly, personal judgments made by a lawyer do not provide a sufficient basis for disclosure, as the rules are primarily driven by the nature and severity of the harm in question rather than subjective assessments. Therefore, the emphasis on credible threats of substantial bodily harm underscores the attorney's role in safeguarding individuals and communities from serious risks.