Which rule prevents an attorney or paralegal from being compelled to testify about confidential client information in court?

• A. Confidentiality
• B. Attorney-client privilege
• C. Vicarious representation
• D. Ethical wall or screen

Answer: (B)

Attorney-client privilege is the rule that stops an attorney or the staff assisting in providing legal services from being forced to reveal confidential client communications in court. This protection exists to encourage honest, full discussions so the lawyer can give good advice. It covers confidential conversations and other information shared for the purpose of seeking or receiving legal help, and it can extend to those like paralegals or other assistants who are necessary to provide that service.

Keep in mind that the privilege belongs to the client and can be waived if the client discloses the information to someone not necessary for legal representation, or if the crime-fraud exception applies. This is different from general confidentiality, which is a broader ethical duty to keep information private but isn’t the same formal rule that courts recognize to bar testimony. The other options describe related ideas but do not provide the specific courtroom rule that protects testifying about confidential client communications.