Start by including the words "privileged," "confidential," or "attorney-client communication" in your email subject line. Make sure the body of your email is clear, specific, and only discusses legal issues. Always ask your attorney before sharing information with others, including the contents of your emails.
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.
Rule 3: Label the top of the communication or the subject line of an email: "Privileged and Confidential: Attorney-Client Privileged Communication." This notice should be prominent and easily viewable as soon as someone receives the communication.
To be safe put "Attorney-Client Communication", "Privileged and Confidential" or "Attorney Work Product" in the subject of the e-mail, or on privileged documents.
The attorney-client privilege maintains the confidentiality of certain communications, made between attorneys and their clients, for the purpose of seeking or providing legal advice. The privilege protects communications made orally or in writing, in person or over the telephone, in letters or in emails.
The elements required to establish the attorney-client privilege are as follows: a communication; made between privileged persons; in confidence; and. for the purpose of seeking, obtaining, or providing legal assistance to the client.
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 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.