Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Legal Confidentiality topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Supervisors alarmed after allegedly confidential attorney‑client letter appears online
Summary
Several supervisors said a letter labeled "confidential attorney‑client communication" about courthouse matters appeared on social media; the county attorney advised board members the issue likely requires closed‑session legal advice and the board questioned how the document was released.
Nottoway County supervisors on March 12 expressed strong concern after copies or quotations of a letter marked "confidential attorney‑client privileged communication" surfaced on social media and local video channels.
Multiple supervisors said only board members and the county attorney had received the letter, but portions of its content were being discussed online and quoted by a local paper editor. Board members said that inadvertent or deliberate disclosure of material labeled attorney‑client privileged could jeopardize litigation strategy and raise questions about confidentiality and trust.
County Attorney Mr. Elder explained the contours of attorney‑client privilege to the board, warning that disclosing privileged communications is strongly discouraged and that specific legal ramifications tied to ongoing litigation should be addressed in closed session. He told supervisors that whether public dissemination waives privilege or changes litigation posture depends on the contents and context and recommended further legal review behind closed doors.
Supervisors asked staff to trace how the material was obtained and to consider next steps, including whether additional protective steps or a controlled public statement were appropriate. No legal determination was made in open session; the county attorney recommended close‑session legal advice on the matter and the board discussed follow‑up outside the public meeting.
