The attorney-client privilege protects confidential communications made during an attorney client relationship from disclosure. • For the privilege to apply, the communication must generally satisfy two requirements: The in-house counsel must have been acting in the role of an attorney.The California State Bar permits nonCalifornia admitted lawyers to practice as inhouse counsel in the state under certain circumstances. Confidential In-House Counsel attorney-client communications are deemed privileged unless the "dominant purpose" was something other than legal advice. The attorney-client privilege belongs to the client, which is the company, not its employees. To become Registered In-House Counsel, an attorney must comply with the requirements under California Rules of Court, rule 9.46(c) and those under these rules. This is a long-standing legal principle known as attorney-client privilege, which means that communication between attorneys and clients is confidential.