Can I require confidentiality from my attorney?

Yes. In the United States, the relationship between an attorney and a client is protected by a strong duty of confidentiality, known as attorney-client privilege. You can expect your attorney to treat as confidential the information you share throughout your O-1 process.

This protection exists to create an environment of trust, where you feel comfortable discussing the details of your case without concern. As a general rule, your attorney is obligated to keep confidential everything discussed during the course of the process.

It is worth knowing that the duty of confidentiality follows its own rules and allows for exceptions established by law, such as situations where there is an obligation to report certain facts. These exceptions, however, are limited and typically do not apply to a standard immigration consultation.

When choosing who will handle your case, look for licensed professionals and be wary of offers with guaranteed promises. If you have doubts about the scope of this privilege, confirm directly with your attorney and through official sources.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.