The Importance of Clear Communication with the Client
One other way that counsel can add value for the client is by helping the association’s board of directors inform the unitowners about the litigation. This takes a lot of pressure off the board and allows the community to see and hear from the attorneys who are handling the case a first-hand report on the progress of the litigation. Counsel must be mindful that these open public meetings may not be covered by the attorney-client privilege. Therefore, considerable care has to be given to making sure that nothing is disclosed in these meetings that could be construed as waiver of the privilege. Handled skillfully, a public meeting at which counsel and /or experts give a top-quality presentation about the case and answer questions can be an opportunity for the board to galvanize public support for the case. This can be particularly important where a special assessment is being contemplated to pay for the litigation.
