What is the consequence of breaching client confidentiality as outlined in the Model Rules?

Breach of client confidentiality can lead to serious repercussions, as outlined in the Model Rules of Professional Conduct. The correct answer highlights that an attorney's failure to maintain client confidentiality can result in potential legal liability and disciplinary action from the state bar or licensing authority.

Legal liability may arise if the breach harms the client or breaches contract terms. Clients have the right to expect that their sensitive information will remain confidential, and a breach could lead to lawsuits for damages. Disciplinary action can include sanctions such as censure, suspension, or disbarment depending on the severity of the breach and whether it reflects a pattern of unethical behavior.

In contrast to other options, disbarment without a hearing does not comply with due process, and mandatory reporting of the breach to all clients is not a standard requirement in the context of attorney-client confidentiality. Furthermore, the notion that there would be no consequences if disclosed in good faith misinterprets the obligations of confidentiality, as the defense of good faith does not shield an attorney from repercussions if the confidentiality is breached without a recognized exception.

Thus, the outlined potential legal liability and disciplinary action encapsulates the serious nature of maintaining client confidentiality and the consequences for failing to do so.