Tagged: Attorney-client privilege

Crime-Fraud Exception to Attorney-Client Privilege

Crime-Fraud Exception to Attorney-Client Privilege

The attorney-client privilege is an invaluable tool that is used to encourage frank and open communications between a client and an attorney.  Clients rely on the privilege when communicating with attorneys.  It is important to remember that the attorney-client privilege applies only to communications between a client and an attorney for the purpose of seeking legal advice. A company’s reliance on the attorney-client privilege provides...

Compliance and the Attorney-Client Privilege

Compliance and the Attorney-Client Privilege

Chief compliance officers have to work closely with the chief legal officer or general counsel on a number of important issues.  In certain circumstances, CCOs  have to be mindful of the importance of the company’s ability to assert the attorney-client privilege.  While CCOs tend to lean in favor of disclosure and transparency as an important principle in promoting a company’s compliance program, there are a...

Internal Investigations: Protecting the Attorney- Client Privilege

Internal Investigations: Protecting the Attorney- Client Privilege

I like to repeat myself – attorneys are valuable for only two reasons: (1) attorney-client privilege; and (2) advice of counsel defense. I know I am not supposed to denigrate my profession but these are two important reasons, especially the attorney-client privilege. In the context of corporate internal investigations, the attorney-client privilege is an essential tool when conducting internal investigations involving serious issues. I am...

Hiding Behind the Privilege – A Cloak or a Dagger?

Hiding Behind the Privilege – A Cloak or a Dagger?

CCOs face many challenges in their jobs. One area that is difficult but usually can be solved with common sense is where to draw the line on attorney-client privilege issues. As a practicing attorney, I can attest to the importance of the attorney-client privilege. It is a principle that is critical to the functioning of a corporation or any other organization. Communications for the purpose...

The Real Value of Lawyers to Compliance

The Real Value of Lawyers to Compliance

The legal profession is transforming itself, especially in the area of compliance. Lawyers are an invaluable part of a compliance program. They provide important perspective and understanding of risk, they help a company to assess and navigate legal risks and they interface with regulators and enforcement agencies. The most effective compliance programs usually are built around a strong partnership between a chief compliance officer and...

New E-Book: The Art of the Internal Investigation

New E-Book: The Art of the Internal Investigation

I am pleased to announce the release of my new e-book — The Art of the Internal Investigation — by Corporate Compliance Insights.  To download a free copy, please visit here. Conducting an internal investigation in today’s risky enforcement environment requires numerous — if not continuous — judgement calls.  Stakes are high, and answers are never black-and-white. In this free eBook, Michael Volkov wields his...