Opinion ID: 2320993
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Use of Confidential Information Prong

Text: [¶ 19] Under the alternative confidential information prong, if the attorney actually acquired confidential information that may be used in the present representation, the attorney is prohibited from representing the client in the present representation. M. Bar R. 3.4(d)(1)(i); Adam, 644 A.2d at 464. [¶ 20] Citing our decision in Adam, John contends that we review the trial court's determination of the confidential information prong de novo. Although in Adam we reviewed the trial court's application of the confidential information prong de novo, the trial court did not make any factual findings as to whether the attorney actually acquired confidential information. Adam, 644 A.2d at 464. Instead, the court assumed the client communicated confidential information. Id. at 462. We did not accord that factually unsupported assumption any deference. Id. at 463. [¶ 21] In the present case, however, the court made specific factual findings in determining that Nadine had communicated confidential information to Spurling during the course of the personal injury action. Therefore, we must determine whether the trial court clearly erred in finding that Spurling actually acquired confidential information. [¶ 22] The court determined that the information Spurling acquired regarding Nadine's physical and mental health, work history, and the way she handles contested litigation was confidential, providing a second, independent basis for Spurling's disqualification. [¶ 23] That factual finding is supported by competent evidence. The court credited Nadine's testimony that she had actually given her health and income history to Spurling and that she spoke with Spurling many times during the personal injury action, providing opportunities for Spurling to observe how she handled the litigation process. [¶ 24] The use of confidential information prong requires a determination that the confidential information obtained in the prior representation may be used in the present representation. As explained above under the analysis of the third step of the substantially related test, information concerning Nadine's physical and mental health is relevant to an issue raised in the present divorce action, the determination of parental rights and responsibilities. Because Nadine's health history is relevant to an issue specifically contested in the divorce, it is clear that, pursuant to M. Bar R. 3.4(d)(1)(i), the present divorce action may involve the use of that confidential information. [¶ 25] Although the confidential information that would be detrimental to Nadine's award of spousal support may be less relevant to the present divorce action under the substantially related test, information concerning spousal support falls within the ambit of the confidential information test. Based on the escalating acrimony between the parties or a possible change in Nadine's financial situation, it is not unreasonable to assume, as Nadine contends in this appeal, that she may amend the complaint and request spousal support. The present divorce action may involve the determination of spousal support and that determination would involve the use of Nadine's health and income histories in the context of appraising her income earning potential pursuant to 19-A M.R.S. § 951-A(2)(A). [¶ 26] Both the substantially related and the use of confidential information prongs to the successive representation test are supported by competent evidence, and both independently justify the court's disqualification of Spurling. [¶ 27] John's other contention that he was denied due process does not merit further discussion. The entry is: Order of disqualification is affirmed. Remanded to the District Court for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.