Attorney-Client Privilege A Primer

The purpose of the attorney-client privilege is to encourage clients to communicate freely with counsel, so that counsel can provide the most informed and best legal advice. The legal rules concerning attorney-client privilege are complex, but generally, communications between a lawyer and client are covered by the privilege if made in confidence, for the purpose of seeking or providing legal advice. 

As confidentiality is a requirement for invoking the privilege, you can waive or lose the privilege by sharing the communications with another party. Therefore, it is important that University faculty, staff, and agents consistently maintain confidentiality to protect the attorney-client privilege. 

If you have sought or received legal advice, and you are not sure whether, or with whom, you can share any relevant communications, you should contact the OGC before doing so.