Industry Fears DOJ Bid To Waive 'Privilege' In Environment Crimes Suit

Industry lawyers say they are increasingly facing government pressure to waive attorney-client privilege in environmental crimes cases in exchange for relaxed charges against their corporate clients, a burgeoning concern that has defense attorneys worried the push will undermine their ability to provide candid legal advice to clients about compliance with environmental laws. Some industry officials fear the pressure for waivers will continue to grow because the privileged information clients provide to their attorneys would almost certainly aid EPA and Department...