attorneyclient

The attorney-client relationship is a professional relationship in which a client seeks legal advice or services from a licensed attorney who agrees to provide those services. It is formed through engagement, retainer, or conduct that indicates the client intends to obtain legal help and the attorney consents to provide it. The relationship creates duties of loyalty, competence, confidentiality, and advocacy on the attorney’s part, and honesty and cooperation on the client’s part.

Confidentiality and privilege are core features. The attorney-client privilege protects communications between attorney and client made for the purpose of seeking, obtaining, or providing legal services, intended to be confidential. This privilege generally belongs to the client and can shield both the communications and the underlying information from compelled disclosure. It remains in force after the relationship ends, subject to certain exceptions. Exceptions can include disclosures necessary to prevent crime, third-party disclosures not essential to obtaining legal services, or waivers by the client. The work-product doctrine also protects materials prepared by the attorney in anticipation of litigation, limiting a opposing party’s access to those materials.

Scope and limits vary by jurisdiction. The privilege often covers in-house and outside counsel for organizations, but rules about confidentiality, necessity, and scope can differ, especially in corporate settings. Communications that do not aim to obtain legal advice, or that are openly shared with nonessential third parties, may not be protected.

Termination or withdrawal ends the formal representation, but the privilege can continue to protect earlier communications. Understanding the bounds of the attorney-client relationship is essential for preserving confidentiality and ensuring effective legal representation.