What does attorney-client privilege protect?

Attorney-client privilege specifically protects confidential communications between a lawyer and their client. This legal principle ensures that any discussions, advice, or information shared in the context of legal representation remain private, encouraging clients to speak freely and provide complete information to their attorneys without fear of disclosure.

This privilege is essential in fostering open communication, which is crucial for effective legal counsel. It allows clients to discuss their issues candidly, knowing that their legal representative cannot disclose this information to others without their permission. This protection extends to various forms of communication, including verbal conversations, written correspondence, and other forms of messages exchanged for the purpose of legal advice or representation.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the scope of attorney-client privilege. For example, while communications between professionals can be confidential, they do not automatically fall under the protection of attorney-client privilege unless they involve legal advice. Public disclosures of legal issues and contracts drafted by attorneys do not qualify for this privilege either, as they do not pertain to the private communication between the attorney and their client that the privilege is designed to safeguard.