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.
The issue of waiver arises most commonly when a communication is witnessed by a third party or where the client does not intend the communication to be confidential. The mere presence of a third party will likely prevent the creation of the attorney-client privilege.
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.
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.
Attorney-client privilege protects confidential communications between a lawyer and their client that relate to the client's seeking of legal advice or services.
Loss of confidentiality If a document is circulated widely, or is made publicly available, privilege may be lost. The following are examples of circumstances in which privilege will be lost: An advocate refers to a document in open court. A document is made available for inspection on the court file.
An exception is to further a crime or fraud. Suppose your conversation with an attorney includes a plan to commit a crime or fraud. In that case, the attorney-client privilege doesn't apply. Also, there is imminent death or harm.
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.