what is attorney client privilege quizlet

Who holds the privilege of attorney?

The client holds the privilege and is the only one who may waive it. The attorney, however, must assert the privilege on the client's behalf to protect the client's interests. The privilege exists until it is waived, and it can survive the client's death.

How long does the attorney-client privilege last in California?

In California, the attorney-client privilege exists until it is waived, or until such time as the client has diedand his estate no longer exists . CEC §§ 953-955.

When privileged material is disclosed in a state proceeding and the state and federal laws are in conflict as to the effect

When privileged material is disclosed in a state proceeding and the state and federal laws are in conflict as to the effect of the disclosure, the disclosure does not operate as a waiver in a subsequent federal proceeding if the disclosure (i) would not be a waiver had it been made in a federal proceeding or ( ii) is not a disclosure under the law of the state where it was made. In other words, the federal court must apply the law that is most protective of the privilege. This rule does not apply if the state court has issued an order concerning the effect of the disclosure; in such a case, the state-court order would be controlling. Fed. R. Evid. 502(c).

What factors are considered reasonable steps to prevent disclosure?

Evid. 502(b). In determining whether the holder took reasonable steps to prevent disclosure, factors such as the number of documents to be reviewed, the time constraints for production, or the existence of an efficient records-management system may be relevant.

Is a communications privileged?

Finally, communications are not privileged when they are made to an attorney who is acting in a capacity other than as an attorney, such as a tax preparer, business partner, or witness to a will.

Do you need to give advice to an attorney?

The communication must be for the purpose of seeking legal advice or representation, but the attorney does not need to give advice or agree to the representation for the privilege to exist.

Does the Federal Rule 502 apply to common law?

Although the Federal Rules generally do not address the existence or scope of common-law privileges, there is one exception. Federal Rule 502 addresses the effect that a litigation-related disclosure of protected information has on the waiver of the attorney-client privilege, drawing a distinction between an intentional disclosure and an unintentional disclosure. The rule applies to confidential communications as well as material protected by the work-product doctrine. Fed. R. Evid. 502.

What is attorney-client privilege?

The attorney-client privilege is one of the oldest privileges for confidential communications. This privilege assist when there is an attorney-client relationship. The privilege is asserted in the face of a legal demand for the confidential communications, such as a discovery request or a demand that the lawyer testify under oath.

Why is privilege important in legal practice?

The privilege also ensures that lawyers can provide candid and frank legal advice to their clients. For example, a lawyer might be more circumspect in discussing whether a client’s course of conduct amounts to fraud if that conversation could be disclosed to prosecutorial authorities or a potential adversary in civil litigation.

Is a client's advice privileged?

If a client seeks advice from an attorney to assist with the furtherance of a crime or fraud or the post-commission concealment of the crime or fraud, then the communication is not privileged. If, however, the client has completed a crime or fraud and then seeks the advice of a legal counsel, such communications are privileged unless the client considers covering up the crime or fraud.

Can a testator-client be breached?

Death of a client. The privilege may be breached upon the death of a testator-client if litigation ensues between the decedent’s heirs, legatees or other parties claiming under the deceased client.

Is email privileged?

Communication must meet certain criteria . Communication (i.e. emails, correspondence, oral communication, etc.) will only be privileged when the subject communication meets certain criteria, and it is confidential (meaning that it is not shared with non-attorney/non-client third parties).

Who does the client's communications have to be made to?

The client’s communications must be made to counsel – a lawyer . The privilege also covers a client’s communications with individuals who assist the lawyer in the representation, such as a paralegal or an investigator.

Can a lawyer be disqualified for revealing confidential information?

Specific sanctions may be imposed on an attorney who reveals confidential communications, but where there is the mere potential for disclosure, disqualification motions are common. These motions typically claim that a lawyer or firm should be disqualified due to the fact that the lawyer or a member of his firm had previously represented the party desiring disqualification.

What is attorney client privilege?

On the other hand, attorney – client privilege derives from an evidentiary standpoint, rooted in common law jurisprudence and local state statutes. [9] This privilege exists “to encourage full and frank communications between attorneys and their clients and thereby promote broader public interests in the observance of law and administration of justice. The privilege recognizes that sound legal advice or advocacy . . . depends on the lawyer’s being fully informed by the client.” [10] In general, attorney – client privilege prevents attorneys from testifying or being forced to testify at trial and disclose statements made to their clients. [11] No matter how this privilege is articulated, it is enacted when the following four elements are met: “ (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.” [12] Each of these elements are briefly described below.

What is client confidentiality?

Primarily, attorney – client confidentiality is an ethical issue. [4] ABA Model Rule 1.6, comment 2 defines confidentiality as: “ [A] fundamental principle in the client – lawyer relations is that, in the absence of the client’s informed consent, the lawyer must not reveal information relating to the representation . . . This contributes to the trust that is the hallmark of the client – lawyer relationship.” [5] Here, this privilege not only extends to an attorney giving professional advice, but to general advice and any information that pertains to obtaining legal representation. [6] [7] This confidentiality remains intact throughout the entire course of the client’s representation, and even extends to after the client’s death. [8]

Is attorney client privilege limited to evidentiary matters?

While there is no dispute that both attorney – client privilege and attorney – client confidentiality “concern information that the lawyer must keep private,” its applications greatly differ. [18] While attorney – client confidentiality is broad in scope, attorney – client privilege is limited to evidentiary matters, and only met when four elements are met. Overall, while in practice and common understandings the differences between these two concepts may be blurred, the applicability and general ideas for each greatly differ.

What is privilege in a discovery?

The privilege is asserted in the face of a legal demand for the communications, such as a discovery request or a demand that the lawyer testify under oath.

Does attorney-client privilege extend to non-client?

If the non-client is considered a prospective client under Togstad, then the attorney-client privilege will extend to that prospective client.