Ethics: A lawyer's duty of confidence and the advancement of justice

The ethical obligation of lawyers to maintain the confidentiality of communications with their clients is well known not only to lawyers but also to members of the community. It is the assurance of confidentiality that encourages clients to disclose to their lawyer the most intimate details of their personal and business affairs. A client's full and frank disclosure of all relevant circumstances ensures that the lawyer has all the necessary information to provide accurate legal advice. Accurate legal advice enables clients to order their personal and business affairs within the law and this advances the rule of law. It also fosters public confidence in lawyers and the legal system, which is central to the furtherance of the administration of justice.