Throughout the course of the attorney-client relationship, clients typically disclose private and personal information to their lawyer. They do so with the belief that, when the information is exchanged, it is confidential. The attorneys at the law firm of Parker and Waichman respect their clients’ right to know exactly what this encompasses.
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Understanding Your Right To Attorney-Client Privilege
The attorney-client privilege provides a person with a distinct and valuable right to enter into communications that are protected from disclosure. This includes any compelled disclosure to third parties such as business associates, competitors, and government-run agencies. It even goes as far in scope to include those in the criminal justice system.
Parker and Waichman understand what their clients expect. They want to feel secure knowing that they are protected from the potential risk that their sensitive information is shared. It’s certainly not in their best interest if their information ended up in the wrong hands. Clients of Parker and Waichman can be assured of confidentiality in their dealings with their attorney. Whoever they represent, whether it be an individual or business client, has the peace of mind knowing there’s no reason for concern. end.
Legal counsel that is received by a client from their legal advisor acting in that capacity falls into this category. Communications between attorney and client are considered protected in perpetuity from disclosure except in cases in which this consideration has been waived.
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Confidentiality
An attorney can’t disclose written or verbal communications they’ve had with a client if the latter reasonably expected that it would be private. When a lawyer has knowledge of the client’s confidences, they may not share or repeat the content to anyone else. There is one exception. The communications can be shared with other members of their legal team.
The privilege of privacy is relevant to the client rather than the lawyer. A client may opt to waive, or forfeit, their privilege while the lawyer may not. The attorney-client privilege remains in effect throughout the professional relationship, continues even if the relationship ceases to exist. Moreover, it remains in effect even after the client has passed.
The attorney-client privilege also serves to prevent a lawyer from being required to testify about their own client and any statements they’ve made. An attorney has a duty to their clients as to confidentiality. It prevents them, whether formally or informally, from conversing with anyone or discussing a client’s case. Nearly every piece of information of which they’re privy to regarding the case is applicable and covered.
There’re a few exceptions to the concept of confidentiality. Attorneys must abide by the duty to protect as well. If an attorney learns of, or becomes made aware of, information that uncovers harm being done to another person(s), it doesn’t fall under confidentiality. As an example, the duty to protect would include actions or incidents involving child abuse, elder abuse, and other situations. In these and other situations, they are not obligated under the provisions of confidentiality.
If you have any questions or require legal assistance, please contact the professional law team at Parker and Waichman.
