What duty does a lawyer owe to a prospective client?

The correct response highlights the duty of confidentiality that a lawyer owes to a prospective client, which is a fundamental aspect of the attorney-client relationship. When an individual consults a lawyer, even if they do not become a client, the lawyer is typically required to protect any confidential information shared during that consultation. This confidentiality encourages open and honest communication, allowing the prospective client to discuss their situation without fear that their information will be disclosed to others, potentially harming their interests.

This duty is rooted in ethical rules governing lawyers and is designed to uphold the trust that clients must have in their legal counsel. It forms a critical foundation for the legal profession and ensures that even initial contacts with legal counsel are governed by ethical considerations.

While the duty of honesty regarding potential outcomes is important in the client-lawyer relationship, it does not specifically apply to prospective clients in the same way that confidentiality does. Providing free legal advice can occur in certain contexts, but it is not a general duty owed to prospective clients, and promoting a client's financial interests typically becomes relevant after an attorney-client relationship has been formed.