How long does attorney-client privilege last according to California Evidence Code?

The correct understanding of attorney-client privilege under California Evidence Code is that it generally lasts until the client revokes it, which is not accurately reflected in the chosen answer. The privilege exists to protect the communications between a lawyer and their client, ensuring that clients can speak freely without fear of disclosure. This privilege does not end simply when a client's estate is distributed.

The privilege continues even after the attorney-client relationship has ended, and it typically lasts until the client decides to revoke it. This means that unless the client chooses to waive the privilege, it remains intact. Additionally, even after the client has passed away, the privilege can continue, protecting communications that might still be relevant to ongoing legal matters involving the deceased client’s estate. Therefore, the assertion that the privilege ends when the client's estate is distributed is inaccurate, as the privilege can persist long after and does not have a specific expiration tied to the distribution of an estate.