This summary is not the rule. The rule text controls.
When a lawyer is working on a client's case, they can't lie about important facts or laws to other people involved, like opposing parties, witnesses, or other lawyers. This means a lawyer must be honest when they're negotiating, discussing a case, or talking with anyone outside their own client relationship.
There's also a second part to this rule. If staying silent would help a client commit fraud or a crime, the lawyer usually has to speak up and share the important information. However, this duty to disclose has a limit: if telling the truth would mean breaking client confidentiality rules under Rule 1.6, the lawyer doesn't have to disclose it.
In simple terms, this rule stops lawyers from being dishonest to get an advantage for their client. It also means lawyers can't just stay quiet and let their silence help a client cheat or break the law, unless doing so would violate the client's right to confidentiality.
