{"id":358091,"date":"2018-04-23T13:08:41","date_gmt":"2018-04-23T18:08:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/what-is-the-attorney-client-privilege.html"},"modified":"2026-01-29T22:42:07","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T03:42:07","slug":"what-is-the-attorney-client-privilege","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/what-is-the-attorney-client-privilege.html","title":{"rendered":"What Is the Attorney Client Privilege?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Is the Attorney-Client Privilege?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

The attorney-client privilege is a special protection you can get when you hire a lawyer. Under this privilege, information you share with your lawyer is confidential and protected by law. It encourages clients to be honest with their lawyer. That way, the lawyer will have as much insight as possible to best help the client.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The attorney-client relationship is a critical factor between legal professionals and the public. Whenever you consult a lawyer for legal advice, you’re protected by attorney-client privilege. <\/p>\n

Whether you’ve sought legal help for estate planning or criminal law, your communications are covered by the privilege. However, it is not absolute.<\/p>\n

This article provides an overview of attorney-client privilege. Get confidential legal advice by contacting a local lawyer<\/a> for a consultation. <\/p>\n

What Is the Attorney-Client Privilege?<\/h2>\n

This privilege prevents the forced disclosure of any confidential communications between attorneys and clients. Attorneys also owe clients (or potential clients) a duty of confidentiality<\/a>. There are rules for which types of communications are confidential under this privilege.<\/p>\n

The U.S. Supreme Court established a four-factor test in Upjohn Co. v. United States<\/i><\/a> to determine whether the attorney-client privilege applies. According to the test, to establish the privilege:<\/p>\n