Most lawyers are aware of—and take steps to protect—the attorney-client privilege. They will instruct clients not to answer questions that could implicate privileged information, or they will take care to protect the content of privileged files within their offices.

However, information that is confidential, but not privileged, is also subject to protection. Rule 1.6 of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct obligates lawyers to protect all confidential information that was gained in the course of a relationship with a client. This information can be broader in scope than privileged information and, potentially, more vulnerable to accidental exposure.