The attorney-client privilege applies to communications “to whom disclosure is reasonably necessary for the transmission of the information or the accomplishment of the purpose for which the lawyer is consulted.” Cal. Evid. Code § 952. This includes communications to an expert consultant.
The privilege extends only to communications that the client intends to be confidential. Communications made in non-private settings, or in the presence of third persons unnecessary to accomplish the purpose for which the attorney was consulted, are not confidential and therefore are not protected by the privilege.
Crime or Fraud Exception. If a client seeks advice from an attorney to assist with the furtherance of a crime or fraud or the post-commission concealment of the crime or fraud, then the communication is not privileged.
The upshot of the Florida and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure is if an expert considered and/or relied on a document or communication in forming his or her opinion, that document or communica- tion is likely discoverable, regardless of whether it would otherwise be privileged.
The attorney-client privilege applies to communications “to whom disclosure is reasonably necessary for the transmission of the information or the accomplishment of the purpose for which the lawyer is consulted.” Cal. Evid. Code § 952. This includes communications to an expert consultant.
The attorney-client privilege is one of the oldest and most respected privileges. It was designed to prevent a lawyer from being compelled to testify against his/her client.
The privilege extends to communications involving agents that facilitate the attorney-client relationship.
One federal judge opined that “the privilege applies only if (1) the asserted holder of the privilege is or sought to become a client; (2) the person to whom the communication was made (a) is a member of the bar of a court, or his subordinate and (b) in connection with this communication is acting as a lawyer; (3) ...
The privilege log, appendix and accompanying memorandum of law must be sufficient to establish a prima facie case to support assertion of each privilege or protection. No party may submit documents for the Court's in camera review, unless the Court issues a subsequent order requesting such submissions.
The attorney-client privilege is enshrined in California through Evidence Code sections 950-962. These sections establish the fundamental principles that govern confidential communication between attorneys and their clients. The attorney-client privilege is held by the client.