You just sought legal advice from a lawyer about an ongoing dispute with a long-time business partner. Everything went great, and for the first time in a very long time, you feel like you have someone in your corner who listens to you and feels like you have a strong case should you have to proceed with litigation. But then it dawns on you, “I just shared a ton of sensitive information with the lawyer. I hope all of that stays between us.” Fortunately, you can rest easy thanks to what is known as attorney-client privilege.
Attorney-client privilege is the backbone of any attorney-client relationship and ensures the following benefits:
- Confidentiality between the client and the attorney
- The client feels encouraged to disclose as much information as possible
- Accurate and competent legal advice because the attorney is fully informed
Trust Is Essential for an Attorney-Client Relationship
When you face a legal problem that can’t be resolved by talking directly to the other party, you naturally turn to a lawyer for help. But for the attorney to provide you with the legal advice and help you need, you must feel like you can speak freely so that they know everything about your situation. This gives the attorney the best chance to build a strong case in your favor, deal with issues that arise along the way, and create the best possible outcome. Attorney-client privilege ensures everything — emails, text exchanges, letters, in-person meetings, phone calls, etc. — remains confidential and can’t be disclosed without your consent.
It is important to note that for attorney-client privilege to apply, an attorney-client relationship must exist. In other words, the attorney is acting in an official capacity, and you seek legal advice to resolve an existing or potential legal dispute. Secondly, there are limits and exceptions to the attorney-client privilege.
Below are a few things that would not be protected under this law:
- You intend to commit a crime or fraud
- Communications made in non-private settings or in the presence of a third party
- Breach of duty by the lawyer or client
- Claimants through the same deceased client
Please call Christman Attorneys, PLLC, for your legal needs today!
Please consult an attorney for advice about your individual situation. The material on this website and in this or any blog article we publish are for informational purposes only. They do not constitute legal advice. The attorneys at Christman Attorneys, PLLC, believe in tailoring legal advice and solutions to your own personal circumstances.
We have an unwavering commitment to helping our clients at each stage of their legal situation.
