Attorney-Client Privilege

The attorney-client privilege protects and preserves communications between lawyers and their clients and maintains their secrecy or confidentiality. Therefore, when members of the University community seek legal advice from the Office of the Legal Counsel, they are assured of the confidentiality of their communications. They are also protected by this privilege from disclosure to opposing parties. In spite of their form (that is, whether electronic, written or oral), such communications are privileged. As the office endeavors to maintain such confidentiality, it is also essential for members of the University who consult the office on University legal matters to maintain such secrecy or confidentiality.

This privilege promotes openness and sincerity between the office and University members because lawyers cannot reveal (and indeed cannot be forced to reveal) attorney/client communications. This privilege is particularly important in the context of litigation because the privileged communications, written or oral, are not disclosed to other parties.

To advise the University properly, the Office of the Legal Counsel must have a complete cognizance of the facts, including any damaging ones. The attorney/client privilege creates a protection of privacy so that University personnel can sincerely inform the Legal Counsel of all the facts in a privileged and confidential setting.