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 Maryland, the attorney-client privilege is a legal principle that protects the confidentiality of communications between attorneys and their clients. This privilege applies when the client is seeking legal advice and the attorney is providing that advice. Under Maryland law, attorneys are prohibited from disclosing privileged communications unless the client gives informed consent, the disclosure is impliedly authorized to carry out the representation, or the disclosure is permitted by law or court order. The privilege also prevents opposing parties in civil, criminal, or other legal proceedings from forcing the disclosure of these communications. This ensures that clients can communicate candidly with their attorneys, enabling attorneys to offer the most effective representation. It's important to note that the privilege applies to confidential communications and may not cover information shared in the presence of third parties or information that is part of a crime or fraud.