Reading Room Document

Questions about the role of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's attorneys in the field (Principal Legal Advisors) and at headquarters in the Legal Counsel Division.

The document is a memorandum responding to an inquiry about the role of FBI attorneys in field offices and at headquarters. The conclusion reached is that the federal government is the client of FBI attorneys, not the government's employees. The document also presents questions about the attorney-client relationship, the responsibilities of FBI attorneys, and the circumstances under which FBI employees can be represented by attorneys from the Civil Division. The memorandum emphasizes the need for FBI attorneys and employees to respect the confidences and secrets of the client, which is the FBI. It also discusses the decision-making authority for disclosing information and waiving the attorney-client privilege.

February 13, 1981