why is there lawyer client confidentiality

by Alf Pouros PhD 10 min read

It prevents lawyers from testifying about, and from being forced to testify about, their clients' statements. Independent of that privilege, lawyers also owe their clients a duty of confidentiality. The duty of confidentiality prevents lawyers from even informally discussing information related to their clients' cases with others.

Under the rule, attorneys may not divulge their clients' secrets, nor may others force them to. The purpose of the privilege is to encourage clients to openly share information with their lawyers and to let lawyers effectively represent their clients.

Full Answer

Do I still have attorney client confidentiality?

Jun 11, 2018 · Lawyer Confidentiality. Sorry. This video is temporarily unavailable. Please try again later. Kingston criminal lawyer explains the importance of lawyer confidentiality, and lawyer-client privilege. Quite often, our clients leave out tiny bits of information that they themselves deem as being irrelevant or unimportant. However, when it comes to building your …

What are the limits of lawyer/client confidentiality?

The lawyer-client privilege protects certain confidential communications made for the purpose of facilitating the rendition of professional legal services to a client. The rules of criminal evidence recognize a client’s right to prevent the disclosure of such information.

How does attorney-client confidentiality work?

Lawyer-client communications are confidential only if they are made in a context where it would be reasonable to expect that they would remain confidential. ( Katz v. U.S. , 389 U.S. 347 (1967).) A defendant who talks to a lawyer in such a loud voice that others overhear what is said has no reasonable expectation of privacy and thus waives (gives up) the privilege.

When can a lawyer breach confidentiality?

It prevents lawyers from testifying about, and from being forced to testify about, their clients' statements. Independent of that privilege, lawyers also owe their clients a duty of confidentiality. The duty of confidentiality prevents lawyers from even informally discussing information related to their clients' cases with others.

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Why is confidentiality important in law?

Confidentiality rules enable clients to obtain the benefit of legal advice without having to bear the cost of disclosing informa- tion they would prefer to remain secret.

What is the rule of client confidentiality?

The confidentiality rule, for example, applies not only to matters communicated in confidence by the client but also to all information relating to the representation, whatever its source. A lawyer may not disclose such information except as authorized or required by the Rules of Professional Conduct or other law.

How do you explain confidentiality to a client attorney?

To put it briefly, the Duty of Confidentiality states that your lawyer cannot reveal anything that is related to your legal representation without your consent. Thus, your lawyer is prohibited from revealing any matter that might be related to the legal claim for which you have hired them.

Can lawyers breach confidentiality?

Lawyers may also breach the duty where they are defending themselves against disciplinary or legal proceedings. A client who initiates proceedings against a lawyer effectively waives rights to confidentiality.

When may a lawyer disclose confidences of his client?

Rule 21.01 - A lawyer shall not reveal the confidences or secrets of his client except; (a) When authorized by the client after acquainting him of the consequences of the disclosure; (b) When required by law; (c) When necessary to collect his fees or to defend himself, his employees or associates or by judicial action.

What should you not say to a lawyer?

9 Taboo Sayings You Should Never Tell Your LawyerI forgot I had an appointment. ... I didn't bring the documents related to my case. ... I have already done some of the work for you. ... My case will be easy money for you. ... I have already spoken with 5 other lawyers. ... Other lawyers don't have my best interests at heart.More items...•Mar 17, 2021

Can lawyers disclose information?

Section 126 of the Act prohibits an attorney from disclosing an attorney-client privileged communication. The communication may be of any form and nature, verbal or documentary. It even covers facts observed by an attorney in the course and purpose of the attorney-client relationship.May 8, 2019

How do you explain confidentiality?

Confidentiality means respecting someone's privacy, and abstaining from sharing personal or potentially sensitive information about an individual, especially if that information has been shared in confidence.Oct 23, 2018

Losing Your Right to Confidentiality: Speaking in A Public Place

Suppose you discuss your case with your attorney in a restaurant, loud enough for other diners to overhear the conversation. Can they testify to wh...

Losing Your Right to Confidentiality: Jailhouse Conversations Via Phone

Jailhouse conversations between defendants and their attorneys are considered confidential, as long as the discussion takes place in a private area...

Losing Your Right to Confidentiality: Inviting Others to Be Present

For perfectly understandable reasons, defendants sometimes want their parents, spouses, or friends to be present when they consult with their lawye...

Losing Your Right to Confidentiality: Sharing The Conversation With Others Later

Blabbermouth defendants waive (give up) the confidentiality of lawyer-client communications when they disclose those statements to someone else (ot...

Why is confidentiality important in law?

The duty of confidentiality prevents lawyers from even informally discussing information related to their clients' cases with others. They must keep private almost all information related to representation of the client, even if that information didn't come from the client.

What is attorney client privilege?

The attorney-client privilege is, strictly speaking, a rule of evidence. It prevents lawyers from testifying about, and from being forced to testify about, their clients' statements. Independent of that privilege, lawyers also owe their clients a duty of confidentiality.

What is privileged attorney?

The attorney-client privilege is a rule that preserves the confidentiality of communications between lawyers and clients. Under that rule, attorneys may not divulge their clients' secrets, nor may others force them to. The purpose of the privilege is to encourage clients ...

Is attorney client privilege inadmissible?

If someone were to surreptitiously record the conversation, that recording would probably be inadmissible in court.

Can a client forfeit the attorney-client privilege?

No matter who hears or learns about a communication, however, the lawyer typically remains obligated not to repeat it.

Can a lawyer disclose previous acts?

If, for example, if a client tells his lawyer that he robbed a bank or lied about assets during a divorce, the lawyer probably can't disclose the information.

Can an attorney disclose client secrets?

Under that rule, attorneys may not divulge their clients' secrets, nor may others force them to. The purpose of the privilege is to encourage clients to openly share information with their lawyers and to let lawyers provide effective representation.

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