Proposed Formal Opinion Interim No. 06‑0004 (Confidential Information and Unsolicited E-Mail Correspondence)
The State Bar Standing Committee on Professional Responsibility and Conduct (COPRAC) is charged with the task of issuing advisory opinions on the ethical propriety of hypothetical attorney conduct. In accordance with Tab 19, Article 2, Section 6(g) of the State Bar Board Book the Committee shall publish proposed formal opinions for a public comment period of no less than 60 days.
Proposed Formal Opinion Interim No. 06‑0004 considers if an attorney receives from a non-party a confidential communication between opposing counsel and opposing counsel’s client, what should the attorney do if the attorney reasonably believes that the communication may not be privileged because of the crime-fraud exception to the attorney-client privilege?
The opinion interprets rules 3-500, 3-700(C)(1)(e) of the Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of California; Business and Professions Code sections 6068; and Evidence Code sections 915, 952, and 956.
The opinion digest states: If an attorney receives a confidential written communication between opposing counsel and opposing counsel’s client under circumstances reasonably suggesting that the crime-fraud exception precludes application of the attorney-client privilege, the attorney may ethically read the communication. If the document may be privileged but for the crime-fraud exception, the attorney must notify opposing counsel as soon as possible that the attorney has possession of the communication. The two attorneys should try to resolve the privilege issue or, if that fails, obtain the assistance of a court. Until the issue is resolved, the attorney may not disseminate or otherwise use the communication or its contents.
At its October 31, 2009 meeting and in accordance with its Rules of Procedure (State Bar Board Book Tab 19, Art. 2, Sec. 6(g)), the State Bar Standing Committee on Professional Responsibility and Conduct tentatively approved Proposed Formal Opinion Interim No. 06‑0004 for a 90‑day public comment distribution.
None.
The Committee on Professional Responsibility and Conduct (COPRAC) welcomes oral comments on formal opinion interim nos. 06-0004 (re Confidential Information and Unsolicited E-Mail Correspondence) and 08-0001 (re Gifts from Clients) at its June 11 meeting, 2 - 3 p.m., at the Los Angeles office of the State Bar (1149 South Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015). Contact Audrey Hollins, 415-538-2167, to provide oral comment on these opinions.
State Bar Standing Committee on Professional Responsibility and Conduct
July 16, 2010
Angela Marlaud The State Bar of California Office of Professional Competence, Planning and Development 180 Howard Street San Francisco, CA 94105 415-538-2116 415-538-2171 Fax