California Private Investigator Practice Exam

Are interviews conducted by a private investigator for an attorney covered under attorney-client privilege?

1. True

2. False

3. Only if recorded

4. Only if the client is present

The correct answer is: True

Interviews conducted by a private investigator for an attorney are indeed covered under attorney-client privilege. This legal doctrine is designed to protect the confidentiality of communications between an attorney and their client. When a private investigator conducts an interview on behalf of an attorney, the information gathered can be considered as part of the legal strategy and case preparation. Therefore, it is shielded from disclosure in legal proceedings, ensuring that sensitive information remains private. The privilege applies to communications intended to be confidential and made for the purpose of obtaining or providing legal advice. As such, any detailed discussions or findings that arise from these interviews may fall within this protected scope, allowing attorneys to maintain the integrity of their legal processes. In contrast, the other options address conditions or aspects that are not prerequisites for the privilege to apply. The privilege does not depend on whether the interview is recorded or if the client is present, as the core principle of attorney-client privilege is to protect the confidentiality of the communication itself rather than specific circumstances surrounding it.