When you talk to a lawyer, is it confidential?

Asked by: Ismael Jerde  |  Last update: November 1, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (35 votes)

For the attorney-client privilege to apply in Florida, a communication between the lawyer and client must have been made during the actual rendition of legal services to the client and be “confidential,” meaning “it is not intended to be disclosed to third persons” except as provided in the Evidence Code.

Is everything you say to a lawyer confidential?

This means that anything you tell your attorney is strictly confidential and cannot be shared with anyone else without your consent.

Are lawyer calls confidential?

CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNCIATIONS

The basic attorney-client privilege protects client communications with the attorney. It also extends to responsive communications from the lawyer to the client.

What happens when you talk to a lawyer?

During your consultation, the attorney will ask about the issues in your case and discuss the merits of the actions and the various ways you can proceed. There will then be a mutual selection process.

How confidential is a lawyer?

Client-Lawyer Relationship

(a) A lawyer shall not reveal information relating to the representation of a client unless the client gives informed consent, the disclosure is impliedly authorized in order to carry out the representation or the disclosure is permitted by paragraph (b).

Attorney Client Privilege & Lawyer Confidentiality EXPLAINED

23 related questions found

Can you tell your lawyer everything?

The attorney-client privilege is a legal protection that keeps communications between lawyers and their clients confidential. This means that you can tell your lawyer almost anything without worrying that it will be used against you in court.

Can lawyers tell on their clients?

Attorney-client privilege typically stays in effect indefinitely, even after the client's death. In other words, lawyers can never divulge a client's secrets without the client's consent. This privilege prevents lawyers from having to testify about statements from the client.

What can you not say to a lawyer?

Eight Things You Shouldn't Say to Your Lawyer
  • Do Not Say Anything to Your Attorney That Is Not True. ...
  • Do Not Exaggerate Your Injuries When Talking to Your Lawyer. ...
  • Do Not Tell Your Lawyer to Act On Your Behalf and Take Other Action Without Their Awareness.

Is it expensive to talk to a lawyer?

What Are Typical Lawyer Hourly Fees? Lawyer fees for a consultation vary throughout the United States. On average, consultation costs will range from about $250 an hour to $350 an hour. Rates will change depending on location, type of law, and attorney experience.

What to do before talking to a lawyer?

Before your first meeting with a lawyer:
  1. Jot down the key points in your case to share with them.
  2. Bring the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of everyone connected with the case.
  3. Bring all papers related to the case. Some lawyers may want to review the papers before your meeting.

Are texts to lawyers confidential?

Confidential communications include the discussions, notes, and other communications you and your lawyer have about your case. If someone can show that you didn't intend to keep a conversation, email, text, or other communication with your lawyer private, then it's not confidential.

What happens if a lawyer breaks confidentiality?

Whether intentional, malicious, or careless, an attorney's breach of attorney-client confidentiality comes with severe consequences. Attorneys are likely to face disciplinary action. In some circumstances, they risk being disbarred.

Are lawyers allowed to tell your secrets?

The duty of confidentiality prevents lawyers from even informally discussing information related to their clients' cases with others. They must ordinarily keep private almost all information related to representation of the client, even if that information didn't come from the client.

What can I tell my attorney?

Talk to your attorney about the events leading up to the incident and what happened afterwards. Be sure to include any relevant dates, times, and locations. If you were involved in the crime, explain to your attorney your role in the crime, what you did, and any factors that may have influenced your actions.

Does your lawyer do all the talking?

If you have a lawyer representing you whether in Supreme Court or Family Court, most of the time (unless you are testifying) you should let your lawyer do all of the talking. There are many reasons for this which include your lawyer best knows how to present your position and respond to the judge.

Can someone confess to their lawyer?

This question of can you admit a crime to a lawyer is a common one. And the simple answer is yes. However, it may or may not be in your best interests to do so.

How often should you talk to your attorney?

We could go on and on with many examples of when your lawyer should get in touch. The basic answer is that we feel it's at least every three months and as often as daily while important things are happening on your case. You also have a responsibility to communicate with your lawyer.

Do you pay a lawyer before or after court?

If your case goes to trial, your lawyer may ask a for a second advance fee deposit to cover the legal fees for the trial. That second fee will be due before trial and may be at least $5,000.

How do you know if a lawyer will take your case?

Factors Lawyers Consider Before Taking a Case

Legal Merit: A lawyer will first assess the legal merit of your case. This involves evaluating the evidence and determining if the law supports your claims in the lawsuit. A case with strong legal foundations stands a better chance of being accepted.

Is it wise to tell your lawyer everything?

They are not there to judge you, but to vehemently represent you and diligently plan the best course of action in your defense. In most cases, it is recommended that you reveal all the details of the crime you committed, but in any case, listen to your attorney, and do as they instruct you.

How do you tell if you have a good lawyer?

Do not focus solely on case outcomes; read what others say about a firm's conduct. Were they professional, punctual, and supportive? Did they go the extra mile to make the client feel included in the legal process? These reviews can be helpful as you decide whether a law firm deserves your trust.

Can a lawyer defend someone they know is lying?

This means, amongst other things, that when representing the defendant, the lawyer must not knowingly lie to the court. Moreover, if a lawyer knows that the defendant (or a witness that they have brought before the court) has been lying to the court, they must go to that person and demand that the truth be told.

How does lawyer confidentiality work?

The confidentiality rule, for example, applies not only to matters communicated in confidence by the client but also to all information relating to the representation, whatever its source. A lawyer may not disclose such information except as authorized or required by the Rules of Professional Conduct or other law.

How do you know if your lawyer is selling you out?

How Can You Tell If Your Lawyer Is Selling You Out?
  • They Regularly Miss Deadlines and Appointments. ...
  • They Show a Lack of Interest in Your Case. ...
  • They Are Pushing You Too Quickly or Forcefully to Settle. ...
  • They Fail to Return or Answer Your Calls. ...
  • They're not Transparent in Billing and Payment Practices.

Is a client name confidential?

In most cases, not without permission. There are some situations where you are permitted to share information about your clients with other members of the public. In others, it can get you in legal trouble. Regardless, willy-nilly naming your clients isn't good practice.