Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) Practice Exam

In the context of confidential information, what is inadvertent disclosure?

1. Intentional sharing of information

2. Careless or accidental revelation of confidential information

3. Disclosure through legal requirement

4. Unauthorized access to information

The correct answer is: Careless or accidental revelation of confidential information

In the context of confidential information, inadvertent disclosure refers specifically to the careless or accidental revelation of confidential information. This means that the information was not meant to be shared, nor was it shared intentionally. Instead, it occurred due to a lack of caution, oversight, or proper protocols being followed, leading to a breach of confidentiality without malicious intent. Understanding this concept is crucial in legal practice, as inadvertent disclosures can have significant implications for client confidentiality and privilege protections. For example, if an attorney accidentally sends an email containing confidential client information to the wrong recipient, this is an instance of inadvertent disclosure. In contrast, other options present different scenarios: intentional sharing involves a deliberate act; disclosure through legal requirement pertains to situations where law mandates sharing specific information; unauthorized access typically describes a situation where someone gains access to confidential information without permission or proper authority, rather than simply revealing it accidentally.