Overview

The Court of Appeal today handed down judgment confirming that legal advice privilege does not apply to any professional other than a qualified lawyer - dismissing Prudential's appeal against the High Court's refusal to extend privilege to tax law advice given by accountants.

The Court of Appeal judgment vindicates the Law Society's position that privilege should not be extended beyond the legal profession and that any such extension would require primary legislation.

This report from Herbert Smith, which represented the Law Society, outlines the key points of the judgement.