header-logo header-logo

27 May 2022 / Mark Solon
Issue: 7980 / Categories: Features , Profession , Expert Witness
printer mail-detail

The expert’s secret?

82784
Legal privilege: with rights come responsibilities, as Mark Solon explains
  • A look at the two main types of legal privilege: legal advice privilege & litigation privilege.
  • Recent cases where legal privilege has been disputed.

Legal privilege is an important legal right but, as with any right, there are responsibilities. There are rules to be followed before privilege applies and not all communications between lawyers and experts will be protected to allow the communications to remain secret. The case of Kyla Shipping Co. Ltd v Freight Trading Ltd and others [2022] EWHC 376 (Comm) has some useful guidance.

There are two main types of privilege: legal advice privilege and litigation privilege, each with its own rules. Legal advice privilege, that is confidential communications between lawyers and clients for the purpose of giving or receiving legal advice, was not in dispute.

Litigation privilege protects confidential written or oral communications between lawyers, their clients and third parties—in this case an expert witness. The privilege includes documents created by or on behalf of the

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Shakespeare Martineau—David Vaughan

Shakespeare Martineau—David Vaughan

Shakespeare Martineau appoints new London office head as firm continues investment in capital

Browne Jacobson—Kevin Moore

Browne Jacobson—Kevin Moore

Browne Jacobson strengthens All-Island life sciences platform with appointment of leading Galway MedTech lawyer

Clarke Willmott—Latitude Law

Clarke Willmott—Latitude Law

National law firm strengthens commercial offering with acquisition of leading immigration practice

NEWS
Mr Justice Nicklin’s decision to order costs on an indemnity basis may be a ‘significant win’ but it’s still ‘far from game, set and match’ for Associated Newspapers, a former costs judge has said
The Law Society RFC Festival of Sport returns next month, bringing together legal and financial services professionals for one of the sector’s largest annual sporting events
Legal aid deserts leave almost one in four without adequate access to justice
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has warned solicitors and law firms that using artificial intelligence does not alter their professional obligations, amid concerns over inaccurate legal material and client confidentiality
From forgotten interest claims to case-management appeals, a string of procedural developments offers useful—and occasionally cautionary—lessons for practitioners
back-to-top-scroll