305 P.3d 374
Ariz.2013Background
- Lund relatives seek guardian/conservator for Bradford Lund; Lunds oppose petition.
- Miller's counsel served JS&S with subpoena for non-privileged Bradford info; Murphy disclosed entire file believing he represented Bradford.
- Bradford's counsel learned of disclosure and notified Murphy; Murphy distributed file to others in case per Miller's disclosure statement.
- Lunds move to disqualify Murphy and B&C for reading/retaining privileged materials; JS&S moves to compel compliance with inadvertent-disclosure rules.
- Trial court permits Murphy to retain file but bars copying or conveying; orders JS&S to prepare a privilege log; later, JS&S to intervene.
- Court of Appeals stayed, holding that in camera review is not unbounded and must follow Rule 26.1(f)(2) thresholds; this Court grants review to clarify privilege-review procedures.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Must in camera review be shown necessary before reviewing documents | Lunds: review should not occur without threshold showing. | Miller/JS&S: broad right to in camera review under Rule 26.1(f)(2). | Yes; threshold necessary before in camera review. |
| Is reviewing all documents appropriate before privilege/waiver argument | Should await privilege log responses and arguments before reviewing. | Court may review to determine privilege status. | court should await privilege-log responses and arguments before reviewing documents |
Key Cases Cited
- United States v. Zolin, 491 U.S. 554 (1989) (threshold showing required for in camera review regarding crime-fraud exception)
- Kline v. Kline, 212 P.3d 902 (App. 2009) (prima facie evidence required for exceptions)
- State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co. v. Lee, 13 P.3d 1169 (Ariz. 2000) (discovery rulings on privilege reviewed for abuse of discretion)
