Role of Lawyers in Advising Clients to Refrain from Discussing Certain Pre-consultation Events.

Can a lawyer tell you not to talk about something which happened before your consultation with them?

Yes, a lawyer can advise you not to discuss or disclose certain information that occurred before your consultation with them. This advice is typically given to protect your legal interests and to maintain the confidentiality of your communications with the lawyer.

When you consult with a lawyer, you establish an attorney-client privilege, which is a legal concept that protects the confidentiality of the information shared between you and your lawyer. This privilege allows you to speak freely with your lawyer about the details of your case without fear of your statements being used against you.

In some cases, your lawyer may advise you not to discuss specific events or information that occurred prior to your consultation. This could be due to various reasons, such as:

1. Legal strategy: The lawyer may have a strategic reason for limiting discussions about certain aspects of your case. They may want to avoid raising potential issues or information that could be detrimental to your legal position.
2. Statute of limitations: There are time limits within which certain legal actions must be initiated. If the incident in question falls outside the applicable statute of limitations, discussing it may not be productive or necessary for your case.
3. Admissibility of evidence: The lawyer may be concerned about the admissibility of certain evidence in court. If the information is irrelevant, unreliable, or could be used against you, the lawyer may advise against discussing it to avoid potential complications during legal proceedings.
4. Conflict of interest: If the lawyer suspects that the information you want to discuss could potentially create a conflict of interest for them or their law firm, they may advise against sharing it to ensure they can provide unbiased representation.

It's important to remember that every case is unique, and the specific advice given by a lawyer may vary depending on the circumstances. If you have concerns about discussing certain information, it's best to consult with a qualified attorney who can provide personalized guidance based on your situation.