If an attorney-client relationship exists, an attorney owes a duty of confidentiality to the clients. Except in those situations where a court appoints an attorney, the attorney-client relationship is created by contract, either express or implied.
Rule 4.1 Truthfulness in Statements to Others (b) fail to disclose a material fact to a third person when disclosure is necessary to avoid assisting a criminal or fraudulent act by a client, unless disclosure is prohibited by Business and Professions Code section 6068, subdivision (e)(1) or rule 1.6.
Canon 3 – A paralegal may perform any task which is properly delegated and supervised by an attorney, as long as the attorney is ultimately responsible to the client, maintains a direct relationship with the client, and assumes professional responsibility for the work product.
Except when created by court appointment, the attorney-client relationship may be found to exist based on the intent and conduct of the parties and the reasonable expectations of the potential client.
The establishment of the attorney-client relationship involves two elements: a person seeks advice or assistance from an attorney; and the attorney appears to give, agrees to give or gives the advice or assistance.
Q: At what point in time does the privilege legally begin? A: Immediately — as soon as those three elements are met (the lawyer-client; private communication, and for purposes of legal advice).
ABA Model Rule of Professional Conduct 1.8(j) provides: “A lawyer shall not have sexual relations with a client unless a consensual sexual relationship existed between them when the client-lawyer relationship commenced.”
The establishment of the attorney-client relationship involves two elements: a person seeks advice or assistance from an attorney; and the attorney appears to give, agrees to give or gives the advice or assistance.