What does attorney-client privilege protect?

Attorney-client privilege is a fundamental legal principle that protects the confidentiality of communications between a client and their attorney. This privilege ensures that anything discussed in the context of seeking legal advice or representation remains private and cannot be disclosed without the consent of the client. The intent behind this protection is to encourage open and honest communication between clients and attorneys, which is essential for effective legal counsel.

While financial details of a client may be part of the discussions covered by this privilege, the primary focus is on the communications themselves, not the details of a client's financial status. Additionally, not all documents related to a case are automatically protected; only those that involve the attorney-client relationship and that pertain to the provision of legal advice enjoy this privilege. Similarly, testimonies from witnesses fall outside the scope of attorney-client privilege, as they do not involve direct communication between the client and the attorney. Therefore, the protection afforded by attorney-client privilege is specific to the communications meant for seeking legal advice, making the first option the accurate description of what this privilege entails.