What does attorney-client privilege protect?

Attorney-client privilege is a legal concept designed to encourage open and honest communication between lawyers and their clients. The privilege protects communications from being disclosed to third parties, which means that anything shared in confidence between a client and their attorney—whether it be written, verbal, or otherwise—is generally protected from being revealed without the client's consent. This confidentiality allows clients to provide full disclosure of all relevant information without fear that their statements could later be used against them.

This protection is crucial in building a robust defense or legal strategy, as it assures clients that their sensitive information will remain secure. The privilege applies broadly to all forms of communication, which explains why merely written or verbal agreements, or communications made in public settings, do not qualify for this protection. In fact, any communication that does not occur in a privileged context, such as conversations in public, can be disclosed. Thus, the statement regarding the privilege specifically safeguarding communications between a lawyer and their client from being disclosed to third parties accurately captures the essence of what the privilege is intended to protect.