We see privilege issues discussed in judicial decisions, legal commentary, and mainstream news. Here is my Monthly Privilege Roundup of 
- Bill O’Reilly’s attorneys “mistakenly” sent emails between them and the former Fox News commentator. The attorney-client privilege almost certainly protected these emails, but to the extent they become relevant in any subsequent litigation, there is a strong waiver argument. Read the story here.
- Former NY Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former U.S. Attorney Michael Mukasey are involved in seeking “a diplomatic solution” to end the case of a Turkish trader accused of violating US sanctions against Iran. The trader’s lawyer will not reveal the substance of the diplomatic help, asserting the attorney-client privilege. See the NY Post story here.
- In a public-records case, a Hawaii state judge ruled that the attorney-client privilege covers an investigation of the state auditor by the Highway Department of the Attorney General’s office. The requestor’s attorney called the ruling an “overly broad interpretation of the attorney-client privilege.” Read the story here.
- A South Carolina court recently held that defendants waive any attorney-client privilege assertions in FCA cases when they assert and advice-of-counsel defense. BloombergBNA has a story about the decision here.
- Wright State University, under criticism for mishandling research monies, refused to release portions of the independent audit investigation, citing the attorney-client privilege. The University’s redactions sparked more criticism for lack of transparency. Story here.
- Sweden is considering imposing new disclosure obligations on tax advisors, but some in the Swedish bar believe this will conflict with the attorney-client privilege. Story from Bloomberg BNA here.