Cameron McBride, a partner at DHW, represented Nexus Services Inc. in a pivotal decision involving attorney-client privilege. In the criminal case, the defendant, Richard E. Moore, sought to introduce privileged communications with former counsel for Nexus Services, Inc., his former employer, to support an advice-of-counsel defense against charges of tax-related misconduct. Third party Nexus Services, Inc. asserted its attorney-client privilege in the same communications.

In United States v. Moore, the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia ruled that the defendant failed to meet the burden of production necessary to rely on the advice-of-counsel defense. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Elizabeth K. Dillon ruled that the potential value of the evidence Moore sought did not outweigh Nexus’s right to confidentiality, emphasizing the paramount importance of maintaining attorney-client privilege.

This outcome underscores the critical role of safeguarding privilege in corporate matters. McBride’s advocacy ensured that Nexus and its officers were protected from intrusive disclosures, upholding the integrity of their previous communications with legal counsel.

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