Under what circumstance is a lawyer permitted to disclose information to comply with a court order?

The correct answer is based on the principle that a lawyer is permitted to disclose information only when specifically required to do so by a court order. This safeguard asserts that any disclosure should be precisely aligned with the explicit demands of the court, ensuring that the attorney remains compliant with legal obligations while protecting client confidentiality as much as possible.

When a court order is issued, it typically has legal authority and requires compliance. The lawyer must evaluate the order's scope and detail to determine which information is mandated for disclosure, emphasizing the necessity of adhering strictly to the court's directive.

The other choices present scenarios that do not meet the legal standards necessary for disclosure. For instance, disclosing information for the benefit of the client or in alignment with internal policy lacks the specific legal backing of a court directive. Similarly, personal affairs of the lawyer are usually irrelevant when discussing client information and confidentiality. This distinction is vital in professional responsibility to ensure that lawyers act within ethical and legal bounds while navigating their professional duties.