If you’ve encountered the term “work product” and are curious about what it means, you’ve come to the right place. Work product is a legal term that refers to documents and material created during the course of a case, project, or legal matter. This type of material is generally privileged, meaning that it can’t be used in court, and is often the focus of disputes in regard to what is and isn’t work product.
Examples of Work Product
The scope of what is considered work product is far ranging. Most documents made during the course of a legal or business action are typically considered work product, including research and opinion documents, memos, notes, emails, letters, etc. Even privilege logs – the documents that summarize and track the work product of a project – are generally considered work product.
Benefits of Work Product Protection
Work product is invaluable in the legal world. Knowing that delicate documents and material will be held as confidential allows attorneys the freedom to develop creative strategies and thorough research without fear of their ideas being disclosed in court. Subpoenas from opposing counsel are typically barred from invading the realm of work product as well.
Conclusion
Work product is a fundamental machination of the legal system, providing attorneys and legal teams the assurance that their careful preparation won’t be disclosed without their permission. This legal concept is a key part of any legal matter or business project, and business professionals should learn what is and isn’t considered work product.