The attorney-client privilege is a rule that preserves the confidentiality of communications between attorneys and clients when the purpose of the communication is the client seeking legal advice and the attorney giving legal advice. The rule provides that attorneys may not disclose such communications, and opposing parties in civil litigation, criminal litigation, or other legal proceedings may not compel the disclosure of such communications. The privilege is designed to allow clients to openly share information with their attorney so the attorney can provide the most effective adv ice and representation possible.

In Florida, the attorney-client privilege is codified under Florida Statutes Section 90.502. This rule protects the confidentiality of communications between attorneys and their clients when the client is seeking legal advice, and the attorney is providing that advice. The privilege ensures that attorneys cannot disclose these communications without the client's consent, and it also prevents these communications from being compelled as evidence by opposing parties in civil, criminal, or other legal proceedings. The purpose of this privilege is to encourage clients to communicate candidly with their attorneys, enabling the attorneys to offer informed and effective representation. It's important to note that the privilege applies only to confidential communications and does not cover information that is already public or that the client has shared in a non-confidential setting.