The attorney-client privilege, the oldest of the common law evidentiary privileges, seeks to encourage thorough and truthful communication between attorney and client. Attorneys know, however, that the privilege is not absolute. One such exception is known as the “at issue” exception, a form of implied waiver of the attorney-client and work product privileges. This form of waiver is unique because it is one which the parties, by commencing litigation that may implicate legal advice, bring on themselves. Let’s take a closer look at this often misunderstood exception to the rule.
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