Category: Litigation privilege

fraud dishonest assistance litigation privilege financial services bank vicarious liability

High Court considers legal privilege in case concerning fraudulent trading and dishonest assistance

The High Court held RBS and Natwest vicariously liable for traders assisting in fraud, despite lacking actual knowledge of the fraud. Read the full judgment for Bilta (UK) Ltd & Ors v Natwest Markets Plc & Anor [2020] EWHC 546 (Ch), which case concerned legal privilege amongst allegations of fraudulent trading and dishonest assistance.

confidentiality litigation advice privilege

High Court: Accountant’s report can be disclosed in litigation

For privilege to apply, there must be a lawyer (i.e. a solicitor or barrister) in the communication for legal advice privilege to apply. Legal advice privilege does NOT extend to other professionals such as accountants. Therefore, in disputes with HMRC for example, (potentially incriminating) communications with an accountant can be disclosed and are not privileged.