California courts have extended attorneyclient privilege to some situations involving communication with former employees. California employers can avoid this vortex, at least when dealing with their current and former employees.Both can be part of the "corporate client." Communications with former employees of client. In all but a few states, the attorneyclient privilege can protect a company's lawyer's communications with former company employees. Representing attorneys in employment actions against their former law firms presents serious potential ethical and discovery pitfalls. Employees' Right to Employment Records (Employees and Employers) - Oakland Employment Lawyer.