6.12 Reliance on Advice of Counsel is a legal doctrine that allows for a defense against negligence when a party has relied in good faith upon the advice of a qualified professional. This doctrine is used in both civil and criminal cases to provide a defense when a defendant argues that they relied on a professional’s advice when making a decision. It is often used when a defendant is accused of breaching a duty of care, failing to meet a standard of care, or engaging in wrongful conduct. There are two types of 6.12 Reliance on Advice of Counsel: actual reliance and apparent reliance. Actual reliance occurs when a party can show that they asked for, received, and followed the advice of a qualified professional. Apparent reliance occurs when a defendant can demonstrate that their actions demonstrate that they reasonably believed they were following the advice of a qualified professional.