Can I tell my attorney everything?

Asked by: Alexandro Casper  |  Last update: January 31, 2026
Score: 5/5 (40 votes)

Attorney-client privilege is a legal concept that protects communications between an attorney and their client from being disclosed to anyone else. This means that anything you tell your attorney is strictly confidential and cannot be shared with anyone else without your consent.

Is it wise to tell your lawyer everything?

Yes -- always tell your lawyer the truth. Full, candid disclosure is essential for effective legal representation, ethical compliance, and protecting your interests. Strategy depends on facts: Lawyers craft defenses, settlement positions, and procedural choices based on the factual picture you provide.

What not to say to an attorney?

Comments Section

  • You can't comment on facts not in evidence
  • You can't comment on objections made from the other side (Look how often the defense objected, they must be hiding something)
  • You can't attack the other attorney (This guy got OJ off and we all know he was really guilty, so obviously he represents criminals)

Can you tell an attorney anything?

Remember, maintaining confidentiality is a fundamental part of a lawyer's job. With a few exceptions, your lawyer can't share anything publicly without your permission. So whatever you tell them will be kept in confidence unless you and your attorney decide to use it in court.

What is the hardest case to win in court?

Top 5 Hardest Criminal Charges to Beat

  • At the top of the list of most challenging criminal accusations to overcome is first-degree murder. ...
  • Sexual assault cases, particularly those involving minors, are among the toughest felonies to get dropped.

Should I Tell My Attorney Everything?

29 related questions found

Which lawyer wins most cases?

Short answer! While no lawyer wins every single case forever, a few have built reputations for near-perfect records. Historical examples include Gerald Shargel, Joe Jamail, and Clarence Darrow, attorneys known for winning most of their trials through skill, preparation, and persuasion.

What is the stupidest court case?

We all know the most famous frivolous lawsuit story. Stella Liebeck sued McDonald's back in 1992 when she spilled hot coffee on herself. "But coffee is meant to be hot" we all cry. Dig a little deeper into the case however and it starts to look less frivolous.

Do I tell my lawyer if I'm guilty?

Should You Admit Your Guilt to a Lawyer? Yes, being honest with your attorney is crucial. They need all the facts to build the strongest defense possible, even if that includes admitting guilt. Due to attorney-client privilege, no other party can learn what you tell your attorney in confidence.

What is the hardest question to ask a lawyer?

12 Tough Questions to Ask a Lawyer

  • What's your opinion of the probate process?
  • Under what conditions do you recommend a Living Trust?
  • How do I protect my children from abusive relatives if something happens to me?
  • Can I keep my kids from controlling their entire inheritance at 18?

How to get a lighter sentence?

Five Defense Techniques To Assist You in Obtaining a Lighter...

  1. Investigate Your Past to Elicit Sympathy.
  2. Show Genuine Regret and a Proactive Desire to Improve.
  3. Plea Bargains.
  4. Proving Circumstances to Avoid.
  5. Mitigating Circumstances Surrounding the Offense. There was No Actual Harm Done. The Victim Is Also at Fault.

What makes you look bad in court?

Dress Like You Are Going to Church

No low necklines, shorts, stiletto heels, tight jeans (actually, avoid jeans altogether), or sleeveless shirts. If you are wearing a button-up shirt, make sure it is fully buttoned and wear an undershirt or, if it is cool out, a sweater.

What is the B word for lawyer?

barrister. British English: barrister /ˈbærɪstə/ NOUN. A barrister is a lawyer who represents clients in the higher courts of law.

What color do judges like to see in court?

Darker, more serious colors are preferable, and bright colors should be avoided. The best colors to wear to court are “conservative” colors (white, blue, navy, gray, and the like) and to steer clear of crazy patterns and shocking fashion statements.

What is the most common complaint brought against lawyers?

The most common disciplinary complaints filed against lawyers are for:

  • Neglect.
  • Lack of communication.
  • Misrepresentation/Dishonesty.
  • Scope of representation.
  • Fee disputes/Excessive fees.

What can I tell my lawyer?

What You Should Tell Your Lawyer:

  • The Truth: It may seem obvious, but it's crucial to be honest with your lawyer. ...
  • Your Goals: Be clear about what you hope to achieve by seeking legal representation. ...
  • Your Finances: Be transparent about your financial situation, including your ability to pay legal fees.

How to tell if a lawyer is scamming you?

Use the State Bar's Attorney Search feature to confirm their credentials. Check, then double-check: People sometimes impersonate lawyers. Ensure that the attorney's contact information you have matches what's on the State Bar website and that their license is active.

Is $400 an hour a lot for a lawyer?

The national average cost of a small business lawyer ranges between $150–$400 per hour. The average flat fee ranges between $500 and $3,000, depending on the service and location. However, these attorney fees are vague when budgeting for your small business legal costs.

What do lawyers love the most?

Here's what lawyers love the most about practicing law:

  • 64%: Helping clients.
  • 29%: Intellectual stimulation.

How to impress a judge in court?

See All Blog Categories

  1. Dress professionally and appropriately. ...
  2. Show up on time in the right place. ...
  3. You may have to wait outside the courtroom before your testimony. ...
  4. Be aware that there is a chance that you will not be called to testify at the scheduled time and you may have to return at another time.

Who has more power, a lawyer or an attorney?

Now that we've cleared things up, here's the bottom line: an attorney has more legal power than a non-licensed lawyer. While both may have studied the same material in law school, only one is qualified to actively practice law, represent clients, and offer legal advice.

What is the hardest crime to defend?

Three of The Most Difficult Charges to Defend

  • Crimes Against Minors. It can be challenging to defend clients who have been accused of crimes against minors. ...
  • Murder, First Degree. The most severe criminal charge that anybody may face is first-degree murder. ...
  • White Collar Crimes.

What are the three excuse defenses?

Excuse defenses—insanity, infancy, and intoxication—reflect a core principle of criminal law: a defendant's moral blameworthiness depends not only on wrongful conduct but also on the capacity to understand and choose law-abiding behavior.

What's the easiest lawsuit to win?

Generally, dog bite cases (in strict liability states) and clear-liability car accidents are the easiest lawsuits to win. These cases often have straightforward evidence, clear negligence, and well-established laws backing plaintiffs.

Has anyone ever successfully sued a judge?

Notable Case Examples. For instance, there was a case where a federal judge was successfully sued for sexual harassment – an act considered outside his official duties. Another example involved a judge who was sued for defamation after making false statements about an attorney during a press conference.

What celebrity sued for $1?

Nah, Gwyneth Paltrow 's motivation to go to trial to fight a lawsuit accusing her of sending a fellow skier “absolutely flying” at a posh Utah ski resort in 2016 was about vindication. She got it when a jury found her not at fault in the collision, granting her exactly the $1 she sought in her countersuit.