During these challenging times, Severson & Werson remains open and in full operation, consistent with the firm’s previously established contingency planning. While many of our attorneys and staff will be working remotely, as a firm, we continue in full operation. We are here to help, as always.
In the 9th Circuit, courts apply the "primary purpose" test to determine whether an attorney-client communication for the dual purpose of tax or business advice and legal advice is attorney-client privileged. This decision affirms the district court's use of that test rather than the "because of" test used for work product protection (from the totality of the circumstances was the… Read More
Plaintiff's record request under the California Public Records Act (Gov. Code 6250 et seq.) should have been granted. It sought all emails between county employees and four specified internet domains over a six year period regardless of subject matter. The County was able to sort its email records and list 42,000 responsive emails. The County claimed, however, it would be… Read More
When a lawyer's advice is sought for both business purposes (such as tax compliance) and legal advice (advice on tax law), whether the communications are attorney-client privileged or not is tested by the "primary purpose" test--was the primary purpose of the communication legal or business advice? (The court expressly declines to decide whether legal advice being "a" rather than "the"… Read More
Once the attorney-client privilege has been established, the trial judge or counsel for any party may not comment on the fact that a party or witness has exercised the privilege. (Evid. Code 913(a).) Moreover, the trier of fact may not draw any inference from a witness’s invocation of a privilege. The court must so instruct the jury upon request. (Ibid.)… Read More
