The attorney-client privilege protects confidential communications made during an attorney client relationship from disclosure. Confidential In-House Counsel attorney-client communications are deemed privileged unless the "dominant purpose" was something other than legal advice.• 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 attorneyclient privilege is a way to address communication to your outside or inhouse counsel when you need to send a message (ie, letter or email) Ethics in Brief - The Court of Appeal Clarifies Attorney Client Privilege Issues Confronting In-House Counsel Suing Their Employer for Wrongful Termination. However, the application of the attorneyclient privilege is more nuanced with inhouse counsel. A reason for attorneyclient privilege is to encourage clients to disclose all case information to their lawyers. There must be an attorneyclient relationship for the privilege to exist, and the client must be seeking legal advice. Readers requiring legal advice on any specific case or circumstance should consult with counsel admitted in the relevant jurisdiction. California case law is unequivocal.