Think Attorney-Client Privilege Protects Everything? Think Again!

Welcome to the premiere episode of Learn Laws, a podcast dedicated to making the law understandable and actionable for everyone! Hosted by Attorney Andrew David Easler and Entrepreneur James White, this debut installment dives deep into the foundational legal concept of Attorney-Client Privilege, a principle often misunderstood yet critical to navigating today’s world.

In this episode, they tackle the essentials of Attorney-Client Privilege: what it is, what it protects, and—crucially—what it doesn’t. You’ll learn that it’s all about confidential communication between a client and their attorney, designed to ensure honest, open dialogue for effective legal representation. But it’s not a catch-all shield—documents, physical items, or emails carelessly shared with third parties fall outside its protection. Andrew clarifies the nuances, explaining how privilege only applies when you’re seeking legal advice and taking reasonable steps to keep it private, like avoiding loud restaurant chats or CC’ing your mom on sensitive emails.

The conversation gets even more compelling with real-world twists. Ever heard of the crime-fraud exception? James and Andrew unpack how privilege vanishes if you plot a crime or fraud—like asking your lawyer how to scam someone. They explore edge cases too: what happens after death (spoiler: it often holds!), how interpreters or third-party payers fit in, and why being honest with your attorney is non-negotiable for the best outcomes. Drawing from their own journey—building businesses and facing legal gaps that led Andrew to law school—they make these concepts relatable for entrepreneurs and anyone curious about their rights.

Expect no-nonsense insights laced with aha moments. Why does this matter? In a litigious society, knowing what’s protected can save you from costly missteps—whether you’re launching a startup, signing a lease, or just dealing with life’s curveballs. James and Andrew don’t just explain the law, they show how it intersects with everyday decisions, from business deals to personal disputes. This isn’t about jargon or ivory-tower lectures, it’s law stripped down to what you need to know.