What is a requirement if a lawyer wishes to disclose information to prevent substantial bodily harm under California rules?

If a lawyer wishes to disclose information to prevent substantial bodily harm under California rules, a critical requirement is to make a good faith effort to persuade the client not to commit the act. This principle aligns with the lawyer's duty to maintain client confidentiality while also balancing the necessity to prevent harm. Under the California Rules of Professional Conduct, a lawyer is encouraged to engage with the client in an effort to dissuade them from taking actions that could result in serious injury to themselves or others. This step emphasizes the importance of communication and attempts to resolve the situation appropriately and ethically, without jumping directly to disclosing confidential information.

The implication here is that the lawyer has an ethical responsibility to explore all avenues of resolution, ideally resolving the issue without having to breach client confidentiality. Such an approach is also in line with the attorney's role in promoting the client's wellbeing and upholding the legal profession's standards.