Opinion ID: 1060390
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: conclusion

Text: In summary, we hold that in-house counsel may bring a common-law action of retaliatory discharge resulting from counsel's compliance with a provision of the Code of Professional Responsibility that represents a clear and definitive statement of public policy. We also hold that the complaint in this case, which alleges discharge for reporting the unauthorized practice of law, states a claim for relief. Furthermore, in accordance with an Order filed simultaneously with the judgment and opinion in this case, we hold that a lawyer may ethically disclose the employer's confidences or secrets when the lawyer reasonably believes that such information is necessary to establish a claim against the employer. However, the lawyer must make every effort practicable to avoid unnecessary disclosure of the employer's confidences and secrets; to limit disclosure to those having the need to know the information; and to obtain protective orders or make other arrangements minimizing the risk of unnecessary disclosure. Accordingly, we reverse the judgment of the Court of Appeals, and we remand this case to the Shelby County Circuit Court for further proceedings consistent with this opinion. Costs of this appeal are assessed to the appellee, Buckman Laboratories International, Inc.