Legal professional privilege

Legal professional privilege safeguards the confidentiality of communications between a client and an independent lawyer acting in a professional legal capacity. In Switzerland it is closely linked to professional secrecy and procedural rights to refuse disclosure or testimony. The protection generally covers legal advice and defence work, but not every communication involving a lawyer, nor activities outside the protected professional role. In-house counsel and foreign lawyers may raise specific questions depending on the context. Privilege supports effective access to legal advice, while exceptions may arise for abuse or non-protected business activities.