COILED: Which duty is represented by the first 'C' in COILED?

• A. Confidentiality
• B. Competence
• C. End of Representation
• D. Loyalty

Answer: (A)

The C in COILED stands for Confidentiality. This duty requires a lawyer to protect information relating to the representation, covering both communications and other knowledge obtained about the client, and not to reveal it without the client’s consent or a permitted exception. Confidentiality is foundational because it ensures clients can speak openly and honestly, which is essential for the lawyer to give accurate, effective advice and to represent the client faithfully. While there are allowed disclosures—such as to prevent imminent harm, to stop or prevent fraud, to obtain legal advice about compliance, or to comply with a court order or law—the general rule remains that information learned through representing the client stays confidential. In the COILED framework, this C signals the primary, overarching obligation that governs how lawyers handle client information throughout and after the representation.