What is attorney-client privilege?

Attorney-client privilege is a legal rule that protects any confidential communications made between the attorney and their client. This privilege helps ensure that a client can speak freely and without fear of the conversation being used against them in court. In Pennsylvania, attorney-client privilege is covered by Rule 1.6 of the Rules of Professional Conduct, which states that a lawyer should keep all client information and conversations confidential. The privilege applies both during and after the client-attorney relationship. For example, if a client speaks to a lawyer while they are considering filing a lawsuit, the lawyer must not share any of the details of that conversation with anyone else. Even if the lawyer no longer represents that client after the lawsuit is filed, any confidential information still remains protected by attorney-client privilege. The purpose of this rule is to protect the client from potential legal issues or harm during legal proceedings. Without attorney-client privilege, lawyers may feel less comfortable opening up to their clients, which could negatively impact the outcome of their case. Furthermore, attorney-client privilege helps to create a trusting relationship between the lawyer and the client, which is necessary for the client to feel secure in sharing key information with their attorney.

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What is attorney-client privilege?

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