Which professional action can a lawyer take regarding attorney-client privilege?

Refusing to testify based on information obtained from the client aligns with the principles of attorney-client privilege, which is designed to encourage clients to speak freely with their attorneys. This privilege protects confidential communications between the client and the attorney from being disclosed in legal proceedings.

When a lawyer refuses to testify, they are upholding the duty to protect their client's interests and maintain confidentiality, which is essential for fostering trust in the attorney-client relationship. This obligation exists regardless of whether the client is present or has granted permission for other disclosures, underscoring the fundamental importance of this privilege in the legal profession.

In contrast, the other options either misinterpret the boundaries of the privilege or compromise its integrity. Disclosing information if advised by the client could be appropriate under certain circumstances, but it does not maintain the absolute protection the privilege is meant to uphold unless very specific constraints are met. Invoking privilege without the client’s consent is not in accordance with the requirement that clients typically hold the power to waive the privilege. Sharing details with other professionals, though might be beneficial in some contexts, also raises issues regarding the loss of confidentiality and trust, unless appropriate measures are taken to ensure it remains protected.