This protection extends to any information exchanged during these privileged communications, encompassing not only verbal discussions but also written correspondence, emails, text messages, and other forms of communication. The privilege belongs to the client, meaning they have the authority to waive or invoke it.
Attorney-client privilege protects confidential communications between a lawyer and their client that relate to the client's seeking of legal advice or services.
There are also various circumstances under which privileged communication can be waived, either deliberately or unintentionally. Commonly cited relationships where privileged communication exists are those between attorney and client, doctor–or therapist–and patient, and priest and parishioner.
Mark privileged documents “privileged and confidential.” Do so consistently and with restraint – only where there is a legitimate basis for asserting privilege. When retaining third party experts, it is preferable that they: Be retained by outside counsel.
Four Practical Tips for Protecting the Attorney-Client Privilege,... CLEARLY IDENTIFY PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATIONS. PRIVILEGE RULES OUTSIDE THE US ARE DIFFERENT. USE CAUTION WHEN COMMUNICATING WITH OUTSIDE DIRECTORS. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE RISKS OF SIGNING AFFIDAVITS OR SWORN STATEMENTS.
The purpose of the attorney-client privilege is to encourage clients to communicate freely with their attorneys, which enables attorneys to provide the best legal advice.
No matter how the attorney-client privilege is articulated, there are four basic elements necessary to establish its existence: (1) a communication; (2) made between privileged persons; (3) in confidence; (4) for the purpose of seeking, obtaining or providing legal assistance to the client.
Generally, for a communication to be privileged under Texas law, the communication must be (1) seeking legal advice; (2) from a legal professional in his or her capacity as such; (3) related to that legal purpose; (4) made in confidence; and (5) by the client.