In Re Grand Jury Investigation. Appeal of Glen J. Schroeder, Jr, 842 F.2d 1223 (11th Cir. 1987). · Go Syfert
In Re Grand Jury Investigation. Appeal of Glen J. Schroeder, Jr, 842 F.2d 1223 (11th Cir. 1987). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
197 citation events (113 in the last 25 years) across 47 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: Richards v. Kallish (nysd, 2023-11-22)
Treatment trajectory · 1988 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
1988 2007 2026
Top citers, strongest first. 50 distinct citers. How cited ↗
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Richards v. Kallish
S.D.N.Y. · 2023 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
mere allegations of criminality are insufficient to warrant application of the exception.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Kleiman v. Wright
S.D. Fla. · 2020 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
the person invoking the privilege does bear the burden of proving its existence.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Meade v. General Motors, LLC
N.D. Ga. · 2017 · signal: accord · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
a taxpayer should not be able to invoke a privilege simply because he hires an attorney to prepare his tax returns.
examined Cited as authority (verbatim quote) In Re: Green Grand Jury v.
8th Cir. · 2007 · signal: see also · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
if courts always had to hear testimony and conflicting evidence on such matters, the rationale behind the prima facie standard - the promotion of speed and simplicity at the grand jury stage - would be lost.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) In Re: Napster, Inc. Copyright Litigation UMG Recording, Inc. v. Bertsmann Ag
9th Cir. · 2007 · signal: see also · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
if courts always had to hear testimony and conflicting evidence . . . , the rationale behind the prima facie standard - the promotion of speed and simplicity at the grand jury stage - would be lost.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Triple Five of Minnesota, Inc. v. Simon (2×) also: Cited as authority (rule)
D. Minnesota · 2002 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
evidence that, if believed by a trier of fact, would establish the elements of some violation that was ongoing or about to be committed.
discussed Cited as authority (quoted) Moore v. Comm'r
Tax Ct. · 2004 · signal: see, e.g. · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence low
courts generally have held that the preparation of tax returns does not constitute legal advice within the scope of that privilege.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Connecticut General Life Insurance Company and Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company v. Biohealth Laboratories, Inc., PB Laboratories, LLC, Epic Reference Labs, Inc., Epinex Diagnostics, Inc., NJ Reference Laboratories, Inc., and Alethea Laboratories, Inc.; Epic Reference Labs, Inc., Biohealth Medical Laboratory, Inc., and PB Laboratories, LLC v. Connecticut General Life Insurance Company and Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company
D. Conn. · 2026 · confidence medium
Eleventh Circuit and Additional Requirements of Florida Law Attorney-client privilege attaches “to confidential communications between an attorney and client for the purposes of securing legal advice or assistance.” Drummond Co., Inc. v. Conrad & Scherer, LLP, 885 F.3d 1324, 1334 (11th Cir. 2018) (citing In re Grand Jury Investigation, 842 F.2d 1223, 1224 (11th Cir. 1987)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Kayla Hominski, et al. v. Gusar, LLC, et al. (2×) also: Cited "see"
S.D. Fla. · 2026 · confidence medium
“Courts have enunciated slightly different formulations for the degree of relatedness necessary to meet that standard,” In re Grand Jury Investigation, 842 F.2d 1223, 1227 (11th Cir. 1987), and the Eleventh Circuit has historically “taken a less restrictive view of the degree of relatedness required,” In re Grand Jury Subpoena, 2 F.4th at 1350 .
discussed Cited as authority (rule) The Renco Group Inc. and the Doe Run Resources Corporation v. Napoli Shkolnik PLLC
11th Cir. · 2026 · confidence medium
Attorney-client privilege attaches “to confidential commu- nications between an attorney and client for the purposes of secur- ing legal advice or assistance.” Drummond Co., Inc. v. Conrad & Scherer, LLP, 885 F.3d 1324, 1334 (11th Cir. 2018) (citing In re Grand Jury Investigation, 842 F.2d 1223, 1224 (11th Cir. 1987)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Johnson-Nixon v. Brunswick Housing Authority
S.D. Ga. · 2025 · confidence medium
“The first prong is satisfied by a showing of evidence that, if believed by a trier of fact, would establish the elements of some violation that was ongoing or about to be committed.” In re Grand Jury Investigation, 842 F.2d 1223, 1226 (11th Cir. 1987).
cited Cited as authority (rule) T.T. International Co., LTD v. BMP International, Inc.
M.D. Fla. · 2024 · confidence medium
Drummond Co., Inc. v. Conrad & Scherer, LLP, 885 F.3d 1324, 1335 (11th Cir. 2018) (quoting In re Grand Jury Investigation, 842 F.2d 1223, 1226 (11th Cir. 1987)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) O'Neal v. American Shaman Franchise Systems, Inc.
M.D. Fla. · 2024 · confidence medium
Drummond Co., Inc. v. Conrad & Scherer, 885 F.3d 1324, 1335 (11th Cir. 2018) (citing In re Grand Jury Investigation, 842 F.2d 1223, 1226 (11th Cir. 1987) (“[T]here must be a prima facie showing that the client was engaged in criminal or fraudulent conduct when he sought the advice of counsel, that he was planning such conduct when he sought the advice of counsel, or that he committed a crime or fraud subsequent to receiving the benefit of counsel's advice.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Eox Technology Solutions Inc. v. Galasso
S.D. Fla. · 2024 · confidence medium
Courts have utilized the following two-part test to determine whether the crime-fraud exception applies: (1) “there must be a prima facie showing that the client was engaged in criminal or fraudulent conduct when he sought the advice of counsel, 3 At the April 19, 2024 hearing, I described this issue as the third issue. that he was planning such conduct when he sought the advice of counsel, or that he committed a crime or fraud subsequent to receiving the benefit of counsel’s advice”; and (2) “there must be a showing that the attorney’s assistance was obtained in furtherance of the c…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) O'Neal v. American Shaman Franchise Systems, Inc.
M.D. Fla. · 2024 · confidence medium
Nothing in Mr. O’Neal’s motion presently rebuts that explanation sufficient to substantiate “a prima facie showing that the client was engaged in criminal or fraudulent conduct when he sought the advice of counsel, that he was planning such conduct when he sought the advice of counsel, or that he committed a crime or fraud subsequent to receiving the benefit of counsel's advice.” Drummond, 885 F.3d at 1335 (citing In re Grand Jury Investigation, 842 F.2d 1223, 1226 (11th Cir. 1987)).
cited Cited as authority (rule) SAM Industrias S.A.
Bankr. S.D. Florida · 2023 · confidence medium
In re Grand Jury Investigation, 842 F.2d 1223, 1226 (11th Cir. 1987) (citations omitted).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Lewis v. Louisiana State University
M.D. La. · 2023 · confidence medium
Fla. 9/20/2000) (citing In re: Grand Jury Investigation (Schroeder), 842 F.2d 1223, 1225 (11th Cir. 1987)). 85 R.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) O'Neal v. American Shaman Franchise Systems, Inc.
M.D. Fla. · 2023 · confidence medium
Nothing in Mr. O’Neal’s motion presently rebuts that explanation sufficient to substantiate “a prima facie showing that the client was engaged in criminal or fraudulent conduct when he sought the advice of counsel, that he was planning such conduct when he sought the advice of counsel, or that he committed a crime or fraud subsequent to receiving the benefit of counsel's advice.” Drummond, 885 F.3d at 1335 (citing In re Grand Jury Investigation, 842 F.2d 1223, 1226 (11th Cir. 1987)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Miles v. BKP Inc.
D. Colo. · 2022 · confidence medium
Inc., 975 F.2d 81 , 95–96 (3d Cir. 1992); In re Grand Jury Investigation (Schroeder), 842 F.2d 1223, 1226 (11th Cir. 1987), while the Fifth Circuit requires only enough evidence “as will suffice until contradicted and overcome by other evidence,” In re Int’l Sys. & Controls Corp. Sec.
examined Cited as authority (rule) IN RE: Grand Jury Subpoena (3×) also: Cited "see"
11th Cir. · 2021 · confidence medium
The government argues that, consistent with our precedent, all that need be shown is that the “communication is related to the criminal or fraudulent activity established under the first prong.” Id. at 1227 (emphasis added).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Harris v. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, LLC
M.D. Ala. · 2021 · confidence medium
It has consistently construed the exception as applying to “communications made in furtherance of a or .” , 842 F.2d 1223, 1226 (11th Cir. 1987) (emphasis added); , 71 F.3d 1547, 1551 (10th Cir. 1995) (finding that the Tenth Circuit had not extended the crime-fraud exception to “torts generally” because it had construed the exception in the same way).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Drummond Company, Inc. v. Collingsworth (2×)
N.D. Ala. · 2021 · confidence medium
The court instructed, and the Special Master acknowledged, that when evaluating the second prong of the crime-fraud exception, the requirement that the document or communication be made in furtherance of or related to fraudulent conduct “should not be interpreted restrictively.” In re Grand Jury Investigation (Schroeder), 842 F.2d 1223, 1227 (11th Cir. 1987).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Covey v. Colonial Pipeline Company
N.D. Ala. · 2020 · confidence medium
In re Grand Jury Investigation, 842 F.2d 1223, 1226 (11th Cir. 1987).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Drummond Company, Inc. v. Collingsworth
N.D. Ala. · 2019 · confidence medium
On interlocutory appeal, the Eleventh Circuit agreed with this court that the Special Master is to assess on a document-by-document basis whether the item at issue “(1) reflects a communication used to further a crime or fraud or was closely related to it or (2) was created to further a crime or fraud or was closely related to it.” Drummond Co., Inc. v. Conrad & Scherer, LLP, 885 F.3d 1324 , 1339 n. 14 (11th Cir. 2018) (citing Cox, 17 F.3d at 1422; In re Grand Jury Investigation (Schroeder), 842 F.2d 1223, 1227 (11th Cir. 1987)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Kadiyala v. Pupke
S.D. Fla. · 2019 · confidence medium
In determining whether the crime-fraud exception to the attorney-client privilege applies, “[flirst, there must be a prima facie showing that the client was engaged in criminal or fraudulent conduct when he sought the advice of counsel, that he was planning such conduct when he sought the advice of counsel, or that he committed a crime or fraud subsequent to receiving the benefit of counsel’s advice.” Jn re Grand Jury Investigation, 842 F.2d 1223, 1226 (11th Cir. 1987).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Conrad & Scherer, LLP v. Drummond Company, Inc.
11th Cir. · 2018 · confidence medium
To provide context for these issues, we pause for background on the attorney-client privilege and the attorney work product doctrine, as well as the crime-fraud exception. 16 Case: 15-90031 Date Filed: 03/23/2018 Page: 17 of 28 The attorney-client privilege attaches, of course, to confidential communications between an attorney and client for the purposes of securing legal advice or assistance.6 See In re Grand Jury Investigation, 842 F.2d 1223, 1224 (11th Cir. 1987).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) United States v. Ralph Rohner
6th Cir. · 2015 · confidence medium
Rohner cites In re Grand Jury Investigation, 842 F.2d 1223, 1226 (11th Cir.1987), for support, but that case involved the "crime-fraud” exception to the attorney-client privilege, which applies where a client uses the advice of counsel in the furtherance of a crime or fraud.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Estate of Jackson v. General Electric Capital Corp. (In re Fundamental Long Term Care, Inc.)
Bankr. M.D. Fla. · 2014 · confidence medium
In re Grand Jury Investigation, 842 F.2d 1223, 1226 (11th Cir.1987). .
discussed Cited as authority (rule) JTR Enterprises, LLC v. An Unknown Quantity of Colombian Emeralds, Amethysts & Quartz Crystals
unknown court · 2013 · confidence medium
In fact, JTR’s filing of this admiralty case, verified by Jay Miscovich [(“Miscovich”)], was part of its criminal scheme to fabricate a treasure find and is a fraud upon the court.” [D.E. 259 at p. 2], Therefore, Motivation contends, the crime-fraud exception vitiates any claimed privilege and required production of the withheld documents. [Id.\ “The attorney-client privilege does not protect communications made in furtherance of a crime or fraud.” In re Grand Jury Investigation (Schroeder), 842 F.2d 1223, 1226 (11th Cir.1987).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Wiand v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
M.D. Fla. · 2013 · confidence medium
Discussion It is well established that the party invoking a privilege “bear[s] the burden of proving its existence.” In re Grand Jury Investigation, 842 F.2d 1223, 1225 (11th Cir.1987) (citations omitted) (referring to attorney-client privilege).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Jones v. Tauber & Balser, P.C.
Bankr. N.D. Ga. · 2013 · confidence medium
“The first prong is satisfied by a showing of evidence that, if believed by a trier of fact, would establish the elements of some violation that was ongoing or about to be committed.” Id. (quoting In re Grand Jury Investigation (Schroeder), 842 F.2d 1223, 1226-27 (11th Cir.1987)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re: Grand Jury v.
3rd Cir. · 2012 · confidence medium
See In re Grand Jury, 475 F.3d 1299, 1305 (D.C.Cir.2007); In re Grand Jury Proceedings # 5 Empanelled January 28, 2004, 401 F.3d 247, 251 (4th Cir.2005); In re Grand Jury Investigation, 842 F.2d 1223, 1226-27 (11th Cir.1987).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Tindall v. H & S HOMES, LLC
M.D. Ga. · 2011 · confidence medium
“The first prong is satisfied by a showing of evidence that, if believed by a trier of fact, would establish the elements of some violation that was ongoing or about to be committed.” Id. (quoting In re Grand Jury Investigation (Schroeder), 842 F.2d 1223, 1226-27 (11th Cir.1987)).
examined Cited as authority (rule) United States v. Eugene L. Cleckler (3×) also: Cited "see"
11th Cir. · 2008 · confidence medium
Crime-Fraud Exception Cleckler next argues that the district court improperly compelled his attorney Edward Selfe to testify concerning privileged information under the crime-fraud exception. 3 “The attorney-client privilege does not protect communications made in furtherance of a crime or fraud.” In re Grand Jury Investigation (Schroeder), 842 F.2d 1223, 1226 (11th Cir.1987).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In re Grand Jury Subpoena to Kansas City Board of Public Utilities
D. Kan. · 2007 · confidence medium
Litig., 693 F.2d 1235, 1242 (5th Cir. 1982) (evidence such as will suffice until contradicted and overcome by other evidence); United States v. Davis, 1 F.3d 606, 609 (7th Cir.1993) (evidence presented by the party seeking application of the exception is sufficient to require the party asserting the privilege to come forward with its own evidence to support the privilege); In re Grand Jury Proceedings (Appeal of Corporation), 87 F.3d 377, 381 (9th Cir. 1996) (reasonable cause to believe attorney was used in furtherance of ongoing scheme); In re Grand Jury Investigation (Schroeder), 842 F.2d 12…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Official Committee of Asbestos of G-I Holding, Inc. v. Heyman
S.D.N.Y. · 2006 · confidence medium
Heyman has cited United States v. Chen, 99 F.3d 1495, 1503 (9th Cir.1996) (“Mere allegations or suspicion ... are insufficient ... to justify application of the crime-fraud exception.”); In re Grand Jury Investigation, 842 F.2d 1223, 1226 (11th Cir.1987) (“[M]ere allegations of criminality are insufficient to warrant application of the exception.”); In re College Landings Ltd.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Koch v. Specialized Care Services, Inc.
D. Maryland · 2005 · confidence medium
Following Zolin , while it is clear that mere allegations of fraud or crimes are not sufficient to overcome the privilege, Burlington Industries v. Exxon Corp., 65 F.R.D. 26, 40 (D.Md.1974), courts continue to disagree regarding the level of proof sufficient to establish prima facie showing. 20 The majority of federal circuits apply the most stringent test, which requires the party seeking disclosure to present enough evidence to support a verdict in favor of the party making the claim. 21 See Duplan Corp. v. Deering Milliken, Inc., 540 F.2d 1215, 1220 (4th Cir.1976)(“[W]hile a prima facie s…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Newman v. State (2×)
Md. · 2004 · confidence medium
To subject the attorney-client communications to disclosure, they must actually have been made with an intent to further an unlawful act.”); In re Murphy, 560 F.2d 326, 338 (8th Cir.1977) (same); In re Grand Jury Investigation, 842 F.2d 1223, 1226 (11th Cir.1987) (same); In re International Systems & Controls Corporation Securities Litigation, 693 F.2d 1235 , 1242 (5th Cir.1982) (same); State v. Madden, 215 W.Va. 705 , 601 S.E.2d 25, 37 (2004) (“The crime-fraud exception comes into play when a prospective client seeks the assistance of an attorney in order to commit a crime or perpetrate a…
cited Cited as authority (rule) In Re Public Defender Service
D.C. · 2003 · confidence medium
See Haines v. Liggett Group, Inc., 975 F.2d 81, 95-96 (3d Cir.1992); In re Grand Jury Investigation (Sckroeder), 842 F.2d 1223, 1226 (11th Cir.1987). 7 .
discussed Cited as authority (rule) State Ex Rel. Medical Assurance of West Virginia, Inc. v. Recht (2×)
W. Va. · 2003 · confidence medium
See, e.g., In re Sealed Case, 107 F.3d 46, 50 (D.C.Cir.1997) (evidence that, if believed by the trier of fact, would establish the elements of an ongoing or imminent crime or fraud); In re Grand Jury Proceedings, 87 F.3d 377, 381 (9th Cir.1996) (reasonable cause to believe attorney was used in furtherance of ongoing scheme); United States v. Davis, 1 F.3d 606, 609 (7th Cir.1993) (evidence presented by the party seeking application of the exception sufficient to require the party asserting the privilege to come forward with its own evidence to support the privilege); Haines v. Liggett Group Inc…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) First Federal Savings Bank v. United States
Fed. Cl. · 2003 · confidence medium
In re Grand Jury Investigation, 842 F.2d 1223, 1225 (11th Cir.1987) (“Documents used in both preparing tax returns and litigation are not privileged.”); Eglin, 91 F.R.D. at 419 (explaining that the privilege is waived where documents were disclosed to accountants for legal purposes and for audit purposes).
examined Cited as authority (rule) Tri-State Outdoor Media Group, Inc. v. Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors to Tri-State Outdoor Media Group, Inc. (In Re Tri-State Outdoor Media Group, Inc.) (3×) also: Cited "see"
Bankr. M.D. Ga. · 2002 · confidence medium
See also United States v. Davis, 636 F.2d 1028, 1044 (5th Cir.1981)(attorney-client privilege is not available when advice given by attorney is *363 business advice not legal advice); In re Grand Jury Investigation, 842 F.2d at 1224 (court found that the attorney-client privilege did not protect documents given to an attorney for purposes of tax preparation); Bankers Insurance Company v. Florida Department of Insurance and Treasurer, 755 So.2d 729, (Fla.App.2000) (attorney-client privilege did not extend to third party because attorney-client relationship was not yet formed as to the investiga…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Tyne v. Time Warner Entertainment Co.
M.D. Fla. · 2002 · confidence medium
In re Grand Jury Investigation (Schroeder), 842 F.2d 1223, 1225 (11th Cir.1987) (citing In re Grand Jury Subpoena, 788 F.2d 1511 , 1511—12 (11th Cir.1986); In re Grand Jury Proceedings in Matter of Freeman, 708 F.2d 1571, 1575 (11th Cir.1983)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Berroth v. Kansas Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance
unknown court · 2002 · confidence medium
Lit., 693 F.2d 1235 , 1242 (5th Cir. 1982) (evidence such as will suffice until contradicted and overcome by other evidence); United States v. Davis, 1 F.3d 606, 609 (7th Cir.1993) (evidence presented by the party seeking application of the exception is sufficient to require the party asserting the privilege to come forward with its own evidence to support the privilege); In re Grand Jury Proceedings (Appeal of Corporation), 87 F.3d 377, 381 (9th Cir. 1996) (reasonable cause to believe attorney was used in furtherance of ongoing scheme); In re Grand Jury Investigation (Schroeder), 842 F.2d 122…
examined Cited as authority (rule) Gutter v. E.I. Dupont De Nemours (4×)
S.D. Fla. · 2000 · confidence medium
In re Grand Jury Investigation (Schroeder), 842 F.2d 1223, 1226 (11th Cir.1987); see also Cox, 17 F.3d at 1416 .
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re GRAND JURY SUBPOENA
3rd Cir. · 2000 · confidence medium
Thus, to invoke the exception, the government must make a prima facie showing that (1) the client was committing or intending to commit a fraud or crime, see id. at 95 , and (2) the attorney-client communications were in furtherance of that alleged crime or fraud, see, e.g., In re Grand Jury Investigation (Schroeder), 842 F.2d 1223, 1226 (11th Cir.1987); United States v. Horvath, 731 F.2d 557, 562 (8th Cir.1984).
cited Cited as authority (rule) In Re Campbell
Bankr. M.D. Fla. · 2000 · confidence medium
In re Grand Jury Investigation (Schroeder), 842 F.2d 1223, 1226 (11th Cir.1987).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Royal Surplus Lines Insurance v. Sofamor Danek Group, Inc.
W.D. Tenn. · 1999 · confidence medium
See, e.g., In re Grand Jury Proceed ings, 183 F.3d 71 (1st Cir.1999) (refusing to explicitly adopt any particular standard for analyzing the crime-fraud exception, but holding that the exception applied under the facts of that case); In re Grand Jury Proceedings, 87 F.3d 377, 381 (9th Cir.1996) (holding that the appropriate standard for invoking the crime-fraud exception was whether the district court found “reasonable cause to believe” that the client used the attorney’s services to further an ongoing unlawful scheme); Haines v. Liggett Group Inc., 975 F.2d 81, 95-96 (3d Cir.1992) (hold…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) United States v. Richard A. Frederick, and Randolph W. Lenz, Karin Lenz, and Kcs Industries, Inc., Intervening (2×)
7th Cir. · 1999 · confidence medium
United States v. Lawless, 709 F.2d 485, 487-88 (7th Cir.1983); United States v. Bornstein, 977 F.2d 112, 116-17 (4th Cir.1992); In re Grand Jury Investigation, 842 F.2d 1223, 1224-25 (11th Cir.1987); United States v. Davis, 636 F.2d 1028, 1043 (5th Cir.1981).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re: Grand Jury Subpoenas, Jane Roe and John Doe. Intervenor v. United States (2×) also: Cited "see"
10th Cir. · 1998 · confidence medium
Litig., 693 F.2d 1235, 1242 (5th Cir.1982) (evidence such as will suffice until contradicted and overcome by other evidence); United States v. Davis, 1 F.3d 606, 609 (7th Cir.1993) (evidence presented by the party seeking application of the exception is sufficient to require the party asserting the privilege to come forward with its own evidence to support the privilege); In re Grand Jury Proceedings (Appeal of Corporation), 87 F.3d 377, 381 (9th Cir.1996) (reasonable cause to believe attorney was used in furtherance of ongoing scheme); In re Grand Jury Investigation (Schroeder), 842 F.2d 1223…
Retrieving the full opinion text from the archive…
In Re GRAND JURY INVESTIGATION. Appeal of Glen J. SCHROEDER, Jr.
86-3664.
Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.
May 20, 1987.
842 F.2d 1223
1987 U.S. App. LEXIS 6528
1987 WL 3
Elizabeth L. White, Sheppard and White, P.A., William J. Sheppard, Jacksonville, Fla., for appellant., Paul J. Moriarty, Asst. U.S. Atty., Orlando, Fla., for appellee.
Johnson, Clark, Morgan.
Cited by 103 opinions  |  Published
4 passages pin-cited by 4 cases
Pinpoint authority: bottom 90%
Citer courts: Sixth Circuit (1) · E.D. New York (1) · N.D. Ohio (1) · U.S. Tax Court (1)
JOHNSON, Circuit Judge:

This case concerns an appeal from an order by the district court compelling testimony pursuant to a grand jury subpoena. We affirm.

Glen Schroeder is the target of a grand jury investigation into charges of tax evasion. Todd Kliston, an accountant and an attorney, prepared Schroeder’s income tax returns for several of the years under investigation. Consequently, the grand jury subpoenaed Kliston to testify and produce documents relating to the preparation of Schroeder’s income tax returns for those years. Schroeder intervened and moved for a protective order on the grounds of attorney-client privilege and the attorney work product doctrine. Kliston moved for a protective order on the same grounds or, in the alternative, for a motion to compel testimony. The government opposed both motions on the grounds of the crime-fraud exception to both the attorney-client privilege and the attorney work product doctrine. The court, after hearing argument, ordered that Kliston:

(1) answer questions regarding preparation of tax returns as set forth in the subpoena;
(2) respond to any questions regarding disclosure of source of income told to him by Glenn Schroeder;
(3) is not required to answer questions as to advice provided to Glenn Schroeder or any other matter within the attorney-client privilege except the source of income; and
(4) to [sic] submit to the Court for in camera review any documents as to which witness Kliston is uncertain must be disclosed pursuant to this Order.

Schroeder now appeals that order.

We observe initially that Schroeder does not challenge the district court’s order insofar as it compels Kliston to answer questions regarding the preparation of his tax returns. Nor can he. The attorney-client privilege attaches only to communications made in confidence to an attorney by that attorney’s client for the purposes of securing legal advice or assistance. United States v. White, 617 F.2d 1131, 1135 (5th Cir.1980); United States v. Kelly, 569 F.2d 928, 938 (5th Cir.), cert. denied, 439 U.S. 829, 99 S.Ct. 105, 58 L.Ed.2d 123 (1978). Courts generally have held that the preparation of tax returns does not constitute legal advice within the scope of that privilege. United States v. Lawless, [*1225] 709 F.2d 485, 487-88 (7th Cir.1983); United States v. El Paso, 682 F.2d 530, 539 (5th Cir.1982), cert. denied, 466 U.S. 944, 104 S.Ct. 1927, 80 L.Ed.2d 473 (1984); United States v. Davis, 636 F.2d 1028, 1043-44 (5th Cir. Unit A), cert. denied, 454 U.S. 862, 102 S.Ct. 320, 70 L.Ed.2d 162 (1981); United States v. Gurtner, 474 F.2d 297, 298-99 (9th Cir.1973); Canaday v. United States, 354 F.2d 849, 857 (8th Cir.1966). But see Colton v. United States, 306 F.2d 633, 637 (2d Cir.1962), cert. denied, 371 U.S. 951, 83 S.Ct. 505, 9 L.Ed.2d 499 (1963) (“There can, of course, be no question that the giving of tax advice and the preparation of tax returns ... are basically matters sufficiently within the professional competence of an attorney to make them prima facie subject to the attorney-client privilege.”). We agree with the majority rule. Admittedly, the preparation of a tax return requires some knowledge of the law, and the manner in which a tax return is prepared can be viewed as an implicit interpretation of that law. Nevertheless, the preparation of a tax return should not be viewed as legal advice. If a professional accountant prepares a tax return, his client cannot invoke any privilege, for there is no accountant-client privilege under federal law. Couch v. United States, 409 U.S. 322, 335, 93 S.Ct. 611, 619, 34 L.Ed.2d 548 (1973). A taxpayer should not be able to invoke a privilege simply because he hires an attorney to prepare his tax returns. Davis, 636 F.2d at 1043. Thus, any information Schroeder transmitted to Kliston for the purpose of preparing his tax returns, including the sources of his income, is not privileged information.

However, Schroeder does challenge the district court’s order insofar as it compels Kliston to testify as to any source of income disclosed by Schroeder in the course of his providing legal advice to Schroeder. He contends that those disclosures are protected by the attorney-client privilege. [1] Obviously a lawyer who prepares a tax return can provide legal advice on tax matters unrelated to the preparation of that return. Such advice falls within the scope of the attorney-client privilege. Also the lawyer might provide legal advice on non-tax matters. Such advice falls within the scope of the attorney-client privilege as well.

The government argues that Schroeder failed to prove the existence of such a relationship by failing to put on any evidence that he consulted with Kliston for any purpose other than the preparation of his income tax returns. The person invoking the privilege does bear the burden of proving its existence. In re Grand Jury Subpoena, 788 F.2d 1511, 1511-12 (11th Cir.1986); In re Grand Jury Proceedings in Matter of Freeman, 708 F.2d 1571, 1575 (11th Cir.1983). However, during the hear ing on Schroeder’s and Kliston’s motions, the government conceded the existence of an attorney-client relationship between Schroeder and Kliston. [2] Having conceded that such a relationship existed, the government cannot argue now that Schroeder failed to prove the existence of that relationship. Aetna Life Insurance Co. v. Carrillo, 164 F.2d 883, 884 (5th Cir.1947).

The government also suggests that Schroeder waived any privilege that attached to his disclosures. In support of its position, the government argues that the disclosure of information in a tax return waives the privilege not only to the disclosed data but also as to the details under[*1226] lying that information. Davis, 636 F.2d at 1043 n. 18; United States v. Cote, 456 F.2d 142, 144-45 (8th Cir.1972). See also Lawless, 709 F.2d at 487 (no expectation of confidentiality in information transmitted for use on tax return, regardless of whether information actually disclosed on return). The rule to which the government refers, however, concerns only disclosures made in connection with the preparation of tax returns. Consequently, that rule is inapplicable to any disclosures Schroeder made to Kliston in the course of obtaining legal advice unrelated to the preparation of his tax returns.

Nevertheless, any such disclosures may not be privileged because Schroeder possibly used Kliston’s legal advice to effectuate tax evasion. The attorney-client privilege does not protect communications made in furtherance of a crime or fraud. See, e.g., In re Sealed Case, 754 F.2d 395, 399 (D.C.Cir.1985) (Sealed Case II); United States v. Dyer, 722 F.2d 174, 177 (5th Cir.1983); In re Grand Jury Proceedings (Pavlick), 680 F.2d 1026, 1028 (5th Cir. Unit A 1982) (en banc); United States v. Hodge and Zweig, 548 F.2d 1347, 1354 (9th Cir.1977). In deciding whether the crime-fraud exception applies to a communication between a lawyer and his client, courts apply a two part test. First, there must be a prima facie showing that the client was engaged in criminal or fraudulent conduct when he sought the advice of counsel, that he was planning such conduct when he sought the advice of counsel, or that he committed a crime or fraud subsequent to receiving the benefit of counsel’s advice. Second, there must be a showing that the attorney’s assistance was obtained in furtherance of the criminal or fraudulent activity or was closely related to it. See, e.g., In re International Systems and Controls Corporation Securities Litigation, 693 F.2d 1235, 1242 (5th Cir.1982); In re Sealed Case, 676 F.2d 793, 814-15 (D.C.Cir.1982) (Sealed Case I); In re Murphy, 560 F.2d 326, 338 (8th Cir.1977).

The first prong is satisfied by a showing of evidence that, if believed by a trier of fact, would establish the elements of some violation that was ongoing or about to be committed. [3] Sealed Case II, 754 F.2d at 399; In re International Systems, 693 F.2d at 1242; Sealed Case I, 676 F.2d at 815; In re Grand Jury Proceedings in Matter of Fine, 641 F.2d 199, 203 (5th Cir. Unit A 1981); In re Murphy, 560 F.2d at 337. That showing must have some foundation in fact, for mere allegations of criminality are insufficient to warrant application of the exception. Clark v. United States, 289 U.S. 1, 15, 53 S.Ct. 465, 469, 77 L.Ed. 993 (1933); In re International Systems, 693 F.2d at 1242; In re Grand Jury Proceedings, Vargas, 723 F.2d 1461, 1467 (10th Cir.1983), cert. denied, 469 U.S. 819, 105 S.Ct. 90, 83 L.Ed.2d 37 (1984). That is not to say, however, that motions in opposition to grand jury subpoenas should turn into mini-trials. If courts always had to hear testimony and conflicting evidence on such matters, the rationale behind the prima facie standard — the promotion of speed and simplicity at the grand jury stage — would be lost. Thus, a prima facie showing can be established by a good faith statement by the prosecutor as to what evidence is before the grand jury. In re Grand Jury Proceedings, Vargas, 723 F.2d at 1467. See also In re Grand Jury Proceedings (Twist), 689 F.2d 1351, 1352-53 (11th Cir.1982) (denial of stay pending appeal of grand jury subpoena where government’s showing based on affidavit of information possessed by grand jury). Furthermore, the district court’s determination that the facts set forth by the government establish a prima facie showing of criminal or fraudulent conduct can be reversed only for an abuse of discretion. See, e.g., In re Grand Jury Subpoenas Duces Tecum, 773 F.2d 204, 206 (8th Cir.[*1227] 1985); Sealed Case II, 754 F.2d at 399-400; Pritchard-Keang Nam Corp. v. Jaworski, 751 F.2d 277, 280 (8th Cir.1984), cert. dismissed, 472 U.S. 1022, 105 S.Ct. 3491, 87 L.Ed.2d 625 (1985); United States v. Horvath, 731 F.2d 557, 562 (8th Cir.1984); In re Grand Jury Proceedings, Vargas, 723 F.2d at 1467; Sealed Case I, 676 F.2d at 813; In re Berkley & Co., 629 F.2d 548, 553 (8th Cir.1980).

The second prong is satisfied by a showing that the communication is related to the criminal or fraudulent activity established under the first prong. Courts have enunciated slightly different formulations for the degree of relatedness necessary to meet that standard. See, e.g., In re International Systems, 693 F.2d at 1243 (“reasonably relate”); In re Murphy, 560 F.2d at 338 (“close relationship”); In re September 1975 Grand Jury Term, 532 F.2d 734, 738 (10th Cir.1976) (“potential relationship”). Nonetheless, the different formulations share a common purpose — identifying communications that should not be privileged because they were used to further a crime or a fraud. Furthermore, the determination whether the requested material is sufficiently related to the investigation must take into account that the government does not know precisely what the material will reveal or how useful it will be. See Sealed Case I, 676 F.2d at 814 n. 83.

Here there is no doubt that the first prong of the test is satisfied. The government submitted a summary of the evidence as well as an I.R.S. Special Agent’s summary of the testimony Schroeder provided in an interrogation by that agent. Those submissions reveal that Schroeder reported a moderate income from 1978 to 1984, that he possessed cash in amounts grossly disproportionate to his reported income, and that he purchased assets with values grossly exceeding his reported income. For example, during one of the years under investigation, Schroeder purchased a house with a value approximately ten times his reported income for that year. He paid the entire purchase price of the house with a cashier’s check that he had purchased with cash. On the basis of those facts, the district court did not abuse its discretion in finding that the government had established a pri-ma facie showing that Schroeder willfully made false statements on his income tax returns by failing to report all of his income. [4]

Whether Kliston’s advice was related to Schroeder’s failure to report income is less certain because, although the government conceded that an attorney-client relationship existed, the record does not specify the matters on which Kliston provided Schroeder legal assistance. [5] However, the requirement that legal advice must be related to the client’s criminal or fraudulent conduct should not be interpreted restrictively. Thus, any legal assistance Schroeder received in generating income he did not intend to report must be treated as related to his tax evasion. Likewise any assistance Schroeder received in disposing of income he did not report is related to his tax evasion. There is no suggestion that Kliston provided any legal assistance outside of those categories. We observe further that Kliston need not have been aware that he was assisting Schroeder in evading taxes in order for the crime-fraud exception to apply. See, e.g., In re Grand Jury Proceedings (Pavlick), 680 F.2d at 1028-29; In re Grand Jury Proceedings in Matter of Fine, 641 F.2d at 203. Therefore, we hold that any legal assistance Kliston may have provided Schroeder in generating income or in disposing of income was related to Schroeder’s failure to report income.

Schroeder complains, however, that the disclosure of his sources of income may reveal past criminal activity unrelated to his failure to report income. That com[*1228] plaint misconceives the nature of the crime-fraud exception. Communications made in connection with legal assistance related to ongoing or intended criminal or fraudulent activity are not privileged regardless of their content. Thus any of Schroeder’s disclosures that fall within the crime-fraud exception are not privileged even though they might reveal past criminal conduct.

Schroeder’s other objections to the application of the crime-fraud exception are equally unavailing. He argues that the government’s prima facie case rests on mere allegation and not on actual evidence. However, the government did not present mere allegation. Instead, it presented a summary of the evidence before the grand jury and the Special Agent’s summary of Schroeder’s statements. As indicated, such submissions are an accepted means for establishing a prima facie violation under the crime-fraud exception. Therefore, the pri-ma facie showing that Schroeder was engaged in tax evasion was based on proper grounds.

Schroeder argues also that the material requested — the source of his income — is unrelated to the matter being investigated — his failure to report income. He argues that only the amount of his income, not its source, is relevant to showing the failure to report income. To the extent Schroeder places this argument under the relatedness prong of the crime-fraud exception, he is mistaken. That prong requires only that the communication be related to the crime or fraud the client seeks to perpetrate. It has nothing to do with the communication being related to the matter being investigated. Nonetheless, in Alexander v. United States, 138 U.S. 353, 357-60, 11 S.Ct. 350, 351-52, 34 L.Ed. 954 (1891), the Supreme Court arguably held that the crime-fraud exception overcomes the attorney-client privilege only for the prosecution of the specific crime in furtherance of which the allegedly privileged communication was made. At least two courts have characterized that suggestion as dictum and explicitly have rejected it. See In re Berkley, 629 F.2d at 554-55; In re Sawyer’s Petition, 229 F.2d 805, 808-09 (7th Cir.), cert. denied sub nom. Sawyer v. Barczak, 351 U.S. 966, 76 S.Ct. 1025, 100 L.Ed. 1486 (1956). Furthermore, Alexander apparently has never been used to deny application of the crime-fraud exception. See In re Berkley, 629 F.2d at 555 n. 12. However, even if Alexander did state a valid rule, it would be inapplicable here. Schroeder is being investigated for tax evasion. Thus any communications Schroeder made in connection with legal advice Kli-ston may have provided that was related to Schroeder’s tax evasion would not remain privileged under Alexander.

Furthermore, to the extent Schroeder suggests that a grand jury investigating the willful failure to report income cannot inquire into the target’s sources of income, he is mistaken as well. The grand jury possesses broad investigatory powers and, to best exercise those powers, the grand jury should extensively investigate every possible lead. United States v. Echols, 542 F.2d 948, 951-52 (5th Cir.1976), cert. denied, 431 U.S. 904, 97 S.Ct. 1695, 52 L.Ed.2d 387 (1977); United States v. Doe, 541 F.2d 490, 493 (5th Cir.1976). The sources of one’s income are valuable clues in determining whether one’s reported total income is correct. At any rate, in this Circuit at least, the government need not make a preliminary showing of relevance and need prior to the enforcement of a grand jury subpoena. In re Grand Jury Investigation, 769 F.2d 1485, 1487 (11th Cir.1985); In re Grand Jury Proceedings the Bank of Nova Scotia, 740 F.2d 817, 825 (11th Cir.1984), cert. denied sub nom. Nova Scotia v. United States, 469 U.S. 1106, 105 S.Ct. 778, 83 L.Ed.2d 774 (1985); In re Grand Jury Proceedings in Matter of Freeman, 708 F.2d at 1575.

Finally, Schroeder complains that the subpoena requests documents that were not used to prepare his tax returns and supposedly that remain protected by the attorney-client privilege because they do not contain disclosures as to Schroeder’s sources of income. However, the district court's order permits Kliston to submit to the court for an in camera review any documents he believes remain privileged.

[*1229] Therefore, to the extent the district court’s order compels Kliston to testify as to any source of income disclosed by Schroeder in the course of his providing legal advice that was related to Schroeder’s tax evasion, that order is AFFIRMED. If Kliston believes that a particular disclosure remains protected because it was made in connection with legal advice unrelated to Schroeder’s tax evasion, he can submit that disclosure to the district court for an in camera review.

1

. Schroeder does not argue on appeal that any of the disclosures are protected by the attorney work product doctrine.

2

. In presenting the government’s case at that hearing, Mr. Moriarty, Assistant U.S. Attorney, stated:

Mr. Kliston wears dual hats as a CPA and as an attorney. Part of the information we seek is tax preparation information. That is not protected under the attorney client privilege. However, Mr. Kliston also provided some tax advice that would be protected and it would invoke the attorney client privilege.

Given that the government failed to challenge the subsequent statement by Schroeder’s counsel that the government had conceded that such a relationship existed, we view the above statement as a concession by the government that such a relationship did exist. Furthermore, we note that the government prepared the district court’s order. That order assumes the existence of an attorney-client relationship between Schroeder and Kliston.

3

. A few cases indicate that the crime or fraud must be sufficiently serious to justify overriding the attorney-client privilege. See, e.g., Sealed Case I, 676 F.2d at 814 n. 84. Most cases, however, do not mention such a requirement, and we have found no case in which application of the crime-fraud exception was denied on that ground. Without deciding whether such a requirement exists and what its contours might be, we note that tax evasion undoubtedly qualifies as a crime sufficiently serious to justify overriding the attorney-client privilege.

4

. The district court’s cursory written order, prepared by the government, did not explicitly mention the crime-fraud exception much less the two part test that determines its applicability. However, as the transcript of the hearing indicates, in ruling from the bench the court was relying on the crime-fraud exception and the fact that the government had established a prima facie showing of tax evasion.

5

. At oral argument, however, Schroeder’s attorney indicated that Kliston assisted Schroeder in establishing several off-shore companies.