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Attorney-Client Privilege
Attorney-client privilege is a legal rule that keeps most communications between you and your lawyer private and secret, so they cannot be used against you in court.
What it actually is
It protects confidential discussions you have with your lawyer for the purpose of getting legal advice. This privilege applies from the moment you seek legal help and continues even after your case ends, preventing both the lawyer and you from being forced to reveal those conversations in court or during discovery.
Why it matters in your case
This rule encourages you to be completely honest with your lawyer without fear that your own words will be used against you, which helps your lawyer give you accurate advice. If the privilege did not exist, you might hesitate to share damaging facts, and your lawyer could not fully defend you.
The common misunderstanding
Many people think the privilege covers everything you tell any lawyer—but it only applies to confidential conversations for legal advice, not to routine business discussions or information you share in front of others. Also, the privilege belongs to the client, not the lawyer, meaning only you can waive it.
Get the actual rule
Definitions are orientation; rules are authority
This page explains the concept. When it matters to your case, read the rule that governs it in your court — we hold Texas, federal and Washington court rules word for word, and every state's official resources are on the state pages. If someone cites a case at you, check that it exists first.
Related
Terms that travel with this one
General explanation, not legal advice, and not specific to any state — procedures and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and court. If you can get a lawyer or free legal aid, do: every real option.