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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Attorney-client privilege protects confidential communications between a lawyer and their client that relate to the client's seeking of legal advice or services.