Attorney Client Privilege With Board Of Directors In Bexar
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Board minutes often contain information that is subject to the attorney-client privilege and that directors may prefer to keep confidential. However, most jurisdictions allow stockholders to inspect corporate books and records, including board minutes.
Minutes of general meetings are usually made available to all members and, in the case of a charitable company, they must be. The following terms are frequently used in minutes. It is important that they are used consistently, and everyone involved understands their meaning.
Board minutes often contain information that is subject to the attorney-client privilege and that directors may prefer to keep confidential. However, most jurisdictions allow stockholders to inspect corporate books and records, including board minutes.
To be safe put "Attorney-Client Communication", "Privileged and Confidential" or "Attorney Work Product" in the subject of the e-mail, or on privileged documents.
A lawyer serving as an outside director has the same duty of care as any other outside director, and the same exposure to liability. The lawyer's skill and knowledge must be brought into the boardroom in the interest of the corporation.
Instead, board minutes, or portions of board minutes, can be privileged under US law when they capture legal advice rendered either by in-house lawyers or external lawyers or discussions of ongoing litigation. Board participants should be aware of the potential for a waiver of the privilege.
Finalized board meeting minutes must be distributed to all directors and shareholders, regardless of their attendance at the meeting. The board chairman must approve the minutes before distribution, ensuring the document reflects an accurate and concise record of the meeting.
"The power to waive the corporate attorney-client privilege rests with the corporation's management and is normally exercised by its officers and directors." Weintraub, 471 U.S. at 348; see also, ABA/BNA Lawyer's Manual, at 05; United States v.
The attorney-client privilege does not apply to every communication with an attorney. For the privilege to exist, the communication must be to, from, or with an attorney, and intended to be confidential. In addition, the communication must be for the purpose of requesting or receiving legal advice.
