What is the term for a lawyer's obligation to keep client information private?

The correct term for a lawyer's obligation to keep client information private is the duty of confidentiality. This principle is a core aspect of the attorney-client relationship, ensuring that all communications between a lawyer and their client remain private. This duty is fundamental as it encourages open and honest communication, allowing clients to fully disclose information necessary for their legal representation without fear that their secrets may be exposed.

The duty of confidentiality not only covers the information that a lawyer receives from the client in the course of their professional relationship but also extends to any information that could be reasonably considered confidential. This principle is enshrined in various legal ethics codes, reinforcing the idea that safeguarding client information is essential to maintaining trust in the legal profession.

The other options refer to different ethical responsibilities lawyers have towards their clients or the legal system. The duty of representation involves the obligation to represent clients competently. The duty of loyalty concerns a lawyer's responsibility to act in the best interest of their clients, avoiding conflicts of interest. The duty of care refers to the obligation to act with a certain standard of care to avoid negligence claims. However, none of these capture the essence of the confidentiality obligation as directly as the duty of confidentiality does.