Handout.pdf

The presentation discusses the attorney-client privilege in the context of city attorneys and the Texas Public Information Act. According to Section 552.007, a governmental body may voluntarily disclose information to the public unless prohibited by law or confidential under law. The Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, specifically Rule 1.05, emphasize the importance of confidentiality in the attorney-client relationship. The rule protects both privileged and unprivileged client information, and comments to the rule note that the principle of confidentiality is also reflected in the law of evidence regarding the attorney-client privilege. Texas Rule of Evidence 503 outlines the general rule of privilege, which allows a client to refuse to disclose and prevent others from disclosing confidential communications made for the purpose of facilitating professional legal services. Courts have recognized the importance of the attorney-client privilege in promoting candid communication between attorneys and clients.