Which type of information does attorney-client privilege typically protect?

Attorney-client privilege is designed to ensure that communications between a lawyer and their client remain confidential, particularly when seeking legal advice. This privilege encourages clients to speak freely with their attorneys without fear that those communications will be disclosed. Therefore, the protection of communications for legal advice is paramount, as it allows for honest and open discussions regarding legal strategies and potential actions.

In contrast, business transactions generally do not fall under this privilege unless they specifically involve seeking legal counsel. Casual discussions are also excluded, as they do not pertain to legal advice and lack the formalities that would invoke the privilege. Similarly, internal employee policies are more related to organizational operations and do not typically involve the legal advice scenario that privilege is meant to protect. Thus, the focus on communications made for the purpose of obtaining legal advice accurately reflects the essence of attorney-client privilege.