Glossary · Evidence

Attorney-Client Privilege

attorney-client-privilege-e2670c90713847d4-2026-07-28

Type
Glossary
Jurisdiction
National
Date
2026-07-28
Topic
Evidence

A rule protecting confidential communications between a client and lawyer made for the purpose of seeking or giving legal advice. The privilege belongs to the client, survives the client's death, and cannot be overridden merely because the information is important to the other side. It can be waived by sharing the communication with outsiders, and it does not protect communications made to further a crime or fraud.

Definition

A rule protecting confidential communications between a client and lawyer made for the purpose of seeking or giving legal advice. The privilege belongs to the client, survives the client's death, and cannot be overridden merely because the information is important to the other side. It can be waived by sharing the communication with outsiders, and it does not protect communications made to further a crime or fraud.

Attorney-Client Privilege. A rule protecting confidential communications between a client and lawyer made for the purpose of seeking or giving legal advice. The privilege belongs to the client, survives the client's death, and cannot be overridden merely because the information is important to the other side. It can be waived by sharing the communication with outsiders, and it does not protect communications made to further a crime or fraud. Example: The email to outside counsel asking whether the license permitted resale was protected by attorney-client privilege.