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In Re: Cendant Corporation Securities Litigation Ernst & Young LLP
343 F.3d 658
3rd Cir.
2003
Check Treatment
Docket

*1 may not agreement of settlement dismiss). Neither in a motion be raised defenses can be re- these affirmative development of the further without

solved

record.

Conclusion stage at this be determined

It cannot was re- whether WorldCom litigation Moreover, contracts. to file the

quired at issue were re-

even if the contracts filed, pre- this fact does not

quired to be recovery. from any

clude WorldCom prove able to facts may be

Worldcom claims which would entitle

support of its 45^46, Conley,

to relief. 99.

S.Ct. the district court’s or-

We REVERSE dismissing complaint. We

der Worldcom’s proceedings

REMAND further consis- opinion.

tent with this

In re: CORPORATION CENDANT

SECURITIES LITIGATION LLP, Appellant.

No. 02-4386. Appeals, States Court of

United

Third Circuit.

Argued April 2003. Sept.

Filed

ler, York, NY, New for Appellee, Cendant Corporation. Stern, Stern,

Herbert (Argued), J. Kilcullen, Roseland, NJ, Greenberg & for Buckman, Appellees, James E. Leonard S. Coleman, Jr., DeHaan, Christel Martin L. Edelman, Forbes, Scott E. Stephen P. Holmes, Kunisch, Robert D. Michael P. Monaco, Mulroney, Brian Robert E. Ned- erlander, Pittman, Robert W. E. John Ro- senwald, Schutzman, Leonard Henry R. Silverman, Robert F. Smith and John D. Snodgrass. Bernstein, Berger, Litowitz,

Daniel L. Grossmann, York, Berger NY, New for & Appellees, Employees’ California Public System, Retirement New York State Com- Fund, mon Retirement City New York Pension Funds. Entwistle,

Andrew Entwistle & Cappuc- ci, York, NY, Appellee, New for State Board of Administration of Florida. SCIRICA, Judge,* Before Chief GARTH, Judges. AMBRO Circuit OPINION OF THE COURT SCIRICA, Judge. Chief appeal At issue on is whether the “work product” of a non-testifying trial consul- subject tant in privileged this case is discovery. Young, limited Ernst & LLP, Corporation are co- Salpeter, (Argued), Mayer, Alan N. Cendant Brown, Maw, IL, Chicago, Doug- Rowe & defendants in a federal ac- securities class PC, Eakeley, las S. Lowenstein Sandler involving alleged accounting tion Cendant’s NJ, Roseland, Appellant, Ernst & fraud. The class action claims were set- Young LLP. tled, leaving claims asserted Cendant Diskant, each other as Young against Ernst

Gregory (Argued), L. P. Robert LoBue, Patterson, Belknap, Ty- remaining litigation.1 Webb & the focus of the * Judge began Judge participated conspiracy Scirica his term Chief to hide fraud 4,May on investing Young public. from the Ernst & au- counter-claims that Cendant defrauded its alleges 1. Cendant that Ernst & was at negligent actively least in its audits and ditors. may be asked whether he has I. Wood McGraw, met with Dr. the date and Wood, a former deposed Simon any meetings, pres- who was duration manager and audi- Young senior purpose ent and the for same. He the Cendant financial tor who *3 not be asked what Dr. McGraw told the in liti- underlying at issue statements witness, testimony prac- whether was deposition, At gation.2 Wood’s ticed, any part meetings whether that took into communications inquired recorded, were whether the witness took Wood, Young’s Ernst & place between notes, any pro- Dr. or whether McGraw Wood, represented and counsel who also any vided the witness with documents. of Phillip Dr. C. McGraw Courtroom Sci- view, my ques- In latter answers to the ences, consulting is a Inc. Dr. McGraw tions would violate the work strategy deposition in trial expert doctrine. was retained as a non- preparation who developed From the information thus to assist Ernst & testifying expert trial far, appears that Dr. McGraw is an litiga- in Young’s counsel expert Young’s retained Ernst & tion. preparation. counsel to assist counsel asked Specifically, Cendant’s expected to called He is not be you ever met Phil Wood: “Have exceptional witness and no circum- McGraw?”; many how occasions did “On justify stances have been cited to McGraw?”; you you Phil “Did meet with exploration Cendant seeks. jury Phil to be a con- understand McGraw In November the District Court sultant?”; you Mr. provide “Did McGraw Special Discovery reversed the Master’s your conduct as a wit- guidance

with determination, holding the work ness?”; you any your rehearse “Did attorney-client privilege doctrine and did testimony presence in the prospective apply. The District Court said: McGraw?”; prepar- Mr. “In the course of things legal, deals with [W]ork you deposition did review this evaluation, things preparation, with any you “Did select the papers?”; strategies, and it is at limit- tactics first reviewed?”; you papers that “Did lawyers strictly ed to and then will you anyone opportunity for the to ask it, rigidly expand restrictively expand any particular papers?”; and review people paralegals it to include such as you papers any “Did ask to review work on maybe lawyers assistants to because particular subject?” Young’s intimacy lawyer. with the objected, citing counsel the work privilege really The that of the law- privilege doctrine and yers .... he or she a right has arguing discovery sought related things. to tell his or her client certain private relayed to in the communications But, go beyond when we that into a presence purpose of counsel and for the person dealing who is not with the law assisting rendering legal counsel in advice. telling prepare someone how to it as indicates, March Special Discovery Mas- Drudge Blumenthal v. one of 3ter questions lawyer held: where the was tell- 2. manager Special Discovery Wood 3. was on the Ernst & Master was Robert E. Tarleton, year (Ret.). audit team for the audit that ended Janu- J.S.C. ary manager 1997 and senior on the audit year team for the calendar that ended Decem- ber do, blah, ques- you what to it’s a blah and have to be careful ing this witness jury consultant more countervailing opinion [is] tion what B versus J. person now, what to do. telling says or less or she you’ve got He come on spruce up. You have to way look this from ... the Blumenthal Let me read you never know what jury may opinion.... composed be of demographically.... cases the “It is true some extend- attorney-client privilege designed be It’s not augment. It’s not lawyers employed ed to non who are designed legal to substitute for advice. pro- lawyer assist the the rendition That’s not advice. That’s the cos- legal services. This extension fessional applied.... metic *4 however, privilege lawyers, to non (quoting v. Drudge, Blumenthal 186 strictly confined the nar- must be within (D.D.C.1999)). 236, F.R.D. 243 with possible rowest limits consistent now Young appeals. We will reverse.4 only logic principle of its and should when the communication was occur II. made in confidence for the purpose jurisdiction District Court had lawyer. from the obtaining legal advice § juris under 28 U.S.C. 1331. We have legal If what is not advice or if sought § diction under 28 1291.5 Although U.S.C.

the advice is the accountant’s rath- itself generally we review the decision grant lawyers, privilege er than the no exists. discretion, compel motion to abuse plenary our review is where the decision appears Here it that Mr. Horowitz upon interpretation was based his own was retained for the value of legal precept. Armstrong v. Dwyer, 155 advice, at- not to assist the defendant’s (3d 211, Cir.1998). F.3d 214 advice, torney providing legal and the has not carried the III. demonstrating privi- burden of that the A. lege applies.” governed The work doctrine is jury all know what consultant [W]e by a uniform federal standard set forth in does. He doesn’t come down and tell 26(b)(3)6 Z you Expert you the case of have to Fed.R.Civ.P. and “shelters the dispute Subject provisions 4. Because we resolve this on the fed- to the of subdivision issue, rule, (b)(4) eral work doctrine we do not party may of this obtain discov- attorney-client privilege reach the issue. ery tangible things of documents and other- (b)(1) wise discoverable under subdivision jurisdiction 5. We have under the collateral prepared anticipation this rule and of liti- § order doctrine of 28 U.S.C. 1291 because gation by party or for trial or for another or compels the District Court Order the disclo- by party's representative or for that other sure of materials that Ernst & con- (including party’s attorney, the other consul- protected by tends are the work doc- tant, indemnitor, insurer, agent) surety, or attorney-client privilege. and See trine upon seeking party Montgomery County Corp., v. Microvote 175 discoveiy has substantial need of the materi- 296, Cir.1999) (3d (stating we F.3d 300 preparation party’s als in the of the case and "bright-line permitting ap- follow the rule party is unable without undue hard- peals requiring orders ship equivalent of the to obtain the substantial by putatively privileged disclosure of content ordering other means. dis- work-product privi- and covery required of such materials when the leges”). made, pro- has been the court shall against impres- tect disclosure of the mental provides, in 6. Fed.R.Civ.P. relevant sions, conclusions, part: opinions, legal theories or 662 belief, countless other attorney, personal and provid- of the processes intangible ways-aptly tangible he can area within which privileged “work roughly termed ... as the though case.” his client’s prepare

analyze ma- Nobles, 225, lawyer.” such Were v. States United on mere open opposing counsel L.Ed.2d 141 terials n. 95 S.Ct. demand, put much of what is now down v. Powell (1975); Cos. Constr. United Coal Cir.1988). An writing would remain unwritten. Un- F.2d inviolate, 26(b)(3), attorney’s thoughts, heretofore product doc- the work Rule der un- Inefficiency, not be his own. tangible would to “documents applies trine inevi- sharp practices fairness and would of liti- things develop giving in the ad- tably or for another or for gation preparation and in the of cases for party’s representa- vice for that other by or trial. party’s the other (including tive indemnitor, insurer, consultant, surety, is clear from Hickman that work It 26(b)(3); see Fed.R.Civ.P. agent)....” tangi product protection extends to both R. Wright Alan & Arthur 8 Charles Id.; intangible product. ble Miller, Practice and Procedure Federal § Federal Practice and Procedure *5 (“[I]t (2d 1994) ed. is clear § at 359 (“Rule 26(b)(3) protec provides 337 itself things pre- tangible all documents and that tangible for documents and tion by attorney party for the pared or discovery bar of things and does not discovery sought is are within from whom from docu party facts a have learned immunity given prod- to work qualified the ments that are not themselves discover uct, they prepared were in long so Nonetheless, Taylor v. able. Hickman litigation preparation of or for anticipation protection to furnish for work continues trial.”). Supreme The Court articulated that is not product within its definition in nature of the doctrine the essential Indeed, in form.... tangible embodied 495, 510-11, Taylor, 329

Hickman v. U.S. intangible includes since work (1947): 385, L.Ed. 451 67 S.Ct. counsel, it thoughts and recollections of is duties, his various it is performing ac eligible special protection often for the lawyer work with a cer- essential product.”). Further opinion corded work from unnec- degree privacy, tain of free more, beyond ma protection extends by essary opposing parties intrusion by attorney an to include prepared terials Proper preparation their of a counsel. attorney’s agents prepared by materials an client’s case demands that he assemble Supreme and consultants. As the Court information, sift what he considers to be rely must on explained, “[A]ttorneys often facts, from the irrelevant the relevant of and other investigators the assistance his legal plan his theories and prepare the agents compilation of materials undue and in- strategy without needless for trial. It is therefore nec preparation terference. That is the historical and essary that the doctrine product] [work way in act necessary lawyers prepared by agents which materials of protect system attorney prepared by within the framework of our as well as those Nobles, promote justice attorney himself.” at jurisprudence to 238-39, 2160; see clients’ interests. This 95 S.Ct. also Federal protect reflected, course, § at 361 work is in inter- Practice Procedure (“[I]f memoranda, views, statements, are to be corre- statements witnesses all, briefs, protec- from spondences, impressions, mental concerning litigation. attorney representative party of an or other of a protect against the disclo courts must still on who obtained depend not tion should conclusions, impressions, sure the 1970 Accordingly the statement. attorney theories of an opinions, legal or protection extends expressly amendment 26(b)(3). agents. and his Fed.R.Civ.P. by repre- or for a prepared to documents Rule differently, estab including agent.”). Stated party, sentative first, 26(b)(3), protection: two tiers of work Rule lishes explaining Similarly, by an anticipation litigation prepared Rules said: on Civil Advisory Committee attorney agent only, or his is discoverable (b)(3) the trend of reflects Subdivision hardship; of need and upon showing, requiring special by the cases second, “opinion” “core” or prepared to materials merely as encompasses impressions, the “mental attorney, also as to an conclusions, of an opinion, legal or theories litigation or party or other of a representative or or for preparation af concerning litigation” “generally acting on his behalf. any representative discovery.” forded near absolute protect against goes rule then on .; In re Ford Motor impressions, con- the mental disclosure Id Cir.1997). n. 7 F.3d clusions, con- opinions theories receives core or of an litigation cerning ordinary than greater protection party. representative other only upon a product and is discoverable Notes, 26, Advisory Comm. Fed.R.Civ.P. exceptional of rare and circum 1970 Amendment. stances. B. the idea of Courts have wrestled with *6 an doctrine is not product But the work affording opinion product work absolute discovery pre- to of materials absolute bar discovery. Federal Prac- immunity from litigation. of Work pared 2026, 400; § and Procedure at 6 tice producéd be product can 26.70[5][e], § at Moore’s Federal Practice (Mathew ed.). seeking 1946, showing party In upon a Bender 3d 26-224 need of the discovery has substantial on Civil Advisory the Committee Rules par- preparation in the that would create absolute proposed a rule and that the is unable ty’s party discovery case informa- against into protection the hardship undue to obtain without product core of work doc- tion -the the of the materials equivalent substantial trine, to Court declined Supreme but ordering discovery In other means. Federal Practice and Procedure adopt it. required of such materials when 2026, § at 400. made, court shall has been showing States, 449 Upjohn v. United disclosure the mental protect against (1981), 383, 677, 66 L.Ed.2d 584 101 S.Ct. conclusions, opinions, or le- impressions, a Supreme Court declined to establish attorney rep- of an or other gal theories work discovery opinion of core or rule concerning the party of a resentative courts have noting that “some product, litigation. necessity can showing that no concluded 26(b)(3).

Fed.R.Civ.P. product protection of work overcome 26(b)(3) that, from which is based on oral statements provides Rule in “declin- and that other courts seeking discovery of in witnesses” if the even rule have none- ing adopt to an absolute protected by the work formation otherwise material is recognized that such theless requisite has made the product doctrine Id. at 401- special protection.” hardship, entitled to of need and undue showing Although Supreme opinion work should be product evaluated 101 S.Ct. care.”); particular Jury at this with In re to “decide the issue Grand refused Court (3d Investigation, 599 F.2d time,” expansive ap- took an Cir. the Court 1979) (“Memoranda doctrine, in summarizing ex- oral work proach to the may indirectly ... reveal at work cannot be terviews that “such plaining torney’s processes, opinion simply showing on a of substan- disclosed inability equiva- product.... [Sjpecial to obtain the work consider tial need and shape any ruling ations ... must on the hardship. undue While we lent without discoverability interview juncture say memoranda prepared at are not result, like those at issue this case. The always protected by is that such material believe, rule, exactly contemplated we is we think a far work-product Hickman; documents will discov such be necessity stronger showing unavail- ”); only erable a ‘rare situation.’ accord necessary to ability compel ... would be Dupont In re San Juan Plaza Hotel Fire disclosure.” Id. (1st Cir.1988) Litig., F.2d holding This is consistent with the lan (“Courts typically ordinary afford work guage provides of Rule which subject qualified immunity, a court, ordering once show to showing of substantial need and hard made, hardship of need and has been ship, requiring while hardier protect against “shall disclosure of the justify production opinion conclusions, opinions, mental impressions, Case, product.”); In re Sealed 856 F.2d of an or other legal theories (D.C.Cir.1988) (“As 268, 273 the work representative party.” Fed.R.Civ.P. product sought here is based on oral state 26(b)(3). Accordingly, have held that we witnesses, stronger ments from a far product protection is not ab required than the ‘substantial solute, requires heightened showing hardship’ need’ and undue ‘without stan extraordinary circumstances. See applicable discovery work-prod dard Peil, Sporck v. 759 F.2d Cir. uct tangi documents and other 1985) (“Opinion is ac ble things.”). corded an almost absolute *7 Nevertheless, discovery any slight factual con argues because that 26(b)(3)’s generally tent have is may product protection that such items Rule work is 26(b)(4)(B), outweighed by adversary system’s superseded by in Rule gov which maintaining privacy discovery terest in of an erns of opinions “facts known or and in attorney’s thought processes by expert ensur held an has who been retained ing that on its in or specially employed by each side relies own wit another in cases.”); preparing respective see anticipation litigation preparation of or also Rorer expected Rhone-Poulenc Inc. v. Home trial and is not who to be called Cir.1994) Indemnity 32 F.3d as a witness at trial.” Fed.R.Civ.P. (“[ 26(b)(4)(B).7 26(b)(3) E]fforts to obtain disclosure of But provides Rule 24(b)(4)(B) precludes discovery against 7. Rule discovery opinions to obtain facts or on the expert informally preparation an consulted in subject by same other means.” Fed.R.Civ.P. 26(b)(4), for trial. Advisory Fed.R.Civ.P. 26(b)(4)(B). made, Once such a a is Notes, Comm. 1970 Amendment. Under this court, ordering discovery, before must ana- rule, party "may a discover facts known or lyze policy underlying considerations opinions expert held an who has been they outweigh rule to determine whether specially employed upon retained or ... a exceptional circumstances. Moore's Federal exceptional of circumstances under 26.80[2], § (citing Practice at 26-236.5 impracticable party seeking which it is for the Park Bally’s of Martin v. Place Hotel & independently product work (3d Cir.1993) (a Casino, 983 F.2d 1252 26(b)(4)(B). v. Oil Bogosian Rule Gulf report prepared by consulting technical a (3d Cir.1984), we held Corp., 738 F.2d protected discovery firm was shown to work attorney opinion prepared anticipation the document was was not discov- in an antitrust case experts (a litigation by party’s representative a of explained: erable. We consultant) party’s representative for that 26(b)(3)] Rule [of first sentence [T]he (the lawyer)); company’s in-house United disclosure protection against requires Co., 839 F.2d Coal Cos. v. Powell Constr. conclusions, impressions, the mental (3d Cir.1988) (the an theories of opinions, beyond doctrine extended materials re- The representative party. or other attorney’s impressions an flecting the first sentence introduces proviso prepared to antici- encompass 26(b)(3) (“Subject provisions to the Rule insurer); party’s pation litigation rule, party this subdivision (b)(f) of Director, Sprague v. Workers’ Office of discovery of documents may obtain Programs, 688 F.2d Compensation litigation prepared Cir.1982) (1st letter set- (opinion 869-870 ...”) signifies for trial medical was ting expert’s forth ex- prepared by material an preparation to ad- because was subject discovery, counsel); pert see also Dennis P. Stolle et vise al., Psychol- requirements per- The Perceived Fairness special under the Consultant, Psychol. 20 Law & ogist Trial discovery set forth in taining expert (1996) (“Modern 139, 169 trial con- Rev. 26(b)(4). lim- proviso does not Rule typically many methods consist of sulting Rule it the second sentence of preparation, such as witness techniques disclosure of work restricting trials, not be clearly and mock could and “le- containing impressions” “mental prod- falling as outside of the work framed support gal theories.” it does rule.”). Moreover, litigation consul- uct that Rule the district court’s conclusion on information tant’s advice that is based 26(b)(3), of at- category protecting communications during private disclosed way” product, give “must torney’s client, litiga- between 26(b)(4), authorizing to Rule may “opin- be considered tion consultant relating expert witnesses. requires a show- ion” work which Id. at 594. circumstances order exceptional v. Dupldn Corp. for it to be discoverable. C. Milliken, Inc., 540 F.2d Deering retained to Litigation consultants (4th Cir.1976) (“[0]pinion prod- preparation qualify aid witness *8 to law- immunity applies equally now uct protected by who are non-attorneys alike.”); Stanley D. non-lawyers yers and See, e.g., Ford product doctrine. Beisecker, D. Discover- Davis & Thomas (the 110 F.3d at 967 Motor A Product: ing Trial Consultant Work pre product doctrine Adversary’s an Way to Borrow New assistant by an in-house technical pared Wits?, Am. Trial Advoc. J. (“[T]he an outside meetings (1994) to be attended attorney’s discussions sugges- consulting lawyers firm and re the consultant’s theory

technical and ease higher suit); qualify for tions thereon should product liability in a garding an issue every an consultation with "allowing without fear that policy counsel to consideration mill”). expert they properly grist advice need to expert may yield obtain for the positions present evaluate and their clients’ impressions.”). accorded mental jury tion what this consultant more [is] telling person or less what to do. noted, decision, As in reaching its D. Blumenthal, District relied Court on which held communications between a client and prod- concedes “that the work political consultant protected by were not to compiled uct doctrine extends materials attorney-client privilege when no attor- who, by non-attorney, ‘agent’ as the ney was involved the communication. attorney, party’s or a assists the 186 F.R.D. 236. But the Blumenthal further, attorney preparation,” in trial court never product considered the work protects “that the doctrine the ‘intan- doctrine it because was never raised. Id. gible’ of an such as at 243 n. 9. The District Court’s reliance testimony that would reveal counsel’s men- on Blumenthal misplaced therefore was impressions strategy.” (Appel- tal because “the work product doctrine is dis- 26). tinct from and attorney- broader than the But lee Br. at Cendant contends that Nobles, client privilege.” non-attorney’s regarding advice witness n. 95 S.Ct. 2160. testimony does fall under the work product doctrine. Cendant asserts that E. jury is entitled to know the consul- noted, As the District Court held witness, tant’s communications with the that the work doctrine should be way the same it is entitled to know and lawyers cabined to strictly and be limited assess all may factors that have in- other when applied lawyer’s to a agent. The formed the witness’s testimony District Court said: credibility. affect The District Court held I admit that if an prepped had that the work doctrine should be his witness like I think all of us are who lawyers to strictly cabined be limited single or small firms have done without when to a applied lawyer’s agent. The X, the need for jury consultant you’ve shave, got this, District Court said: to you’ve to got you do got put question, this you’ve got to things [WJork deals with legal, that, put that way answer that and all of things preparation, evaluation, with I’m quite sure anyone right mind strategies, tactics and it is at first limit- would consider that of work part prod- lawyers ed to and then strictly will uct activity and no it, rigidly expand or restrictively expand one even tries to find out what went on. it to people include such as paralegals my problem But you is when don’t and maybe assistants lawyers bring in a lawyer, you bring in someone intimacy with who is not lawyer. dealing with the law but dealing with the manner in which things The privilege really that of the law- presented, are then I think may it be a yers .... because he or she right has a little much expect bit that to be coun- to tell his or her things. client certain .... tenanced But, when go beyond we into a After the District Court made person who is not dealing with the law determination, Cendant conceded that *9 telling someone prepare how to it as accusing was not Young Ernst & of fabri indicates, Blumenthal v. Drudge one of cating testimony false meetings the be the questions where the lawyer was tell- Wood, tween his and Dr. do, this witness what to ques- it’s a that, McGraw.8 But argued Cendant aas opinion afforded product may or core work be breached when there is Furthermore, in connection with pants. conclusion District Court’s result discussions, Dr. was provid- did not these McGraw product doctrine the work McGraw, they ed with documents Ernst & meetings with Dr. extend Young’s reflecting the content of counsel counsel’s mental inquire into entitled were conclusions, are said “We and le- meetings. impressions, opinions, those addition, they what did or deciding theories. In Dr. McGraw’s gal not here now But once is anything. them of reflect the accusing notes of these discussions ... that veil is no conclusions, once privileged impressions, opinions, there, to show we are entitled longer Young’s & and theories Ernst what went on as judge jury, anybody, Discovery of this information goes counsel. (Tr. with the witness.” they practiced product to the core of the work doctrine 2002). Dec. therefore, and, only upon is discoverable a extraordinary circumstances. and hold that the work disagree We any Cendant has failed to cite extraordi- and privileged Dr. is product of McGraw nary justify circumstances that would dis- only discovery. limited Ernst & subject to covery sought. of the information questioning into the Young contends private communications between gave to advice Dr. McGraw content of Wood, McGraw, pro- Dr. and counsel merit with during private consultation Wood doctrine, product tection under the work attorney clearly calls Wood’s retaining they implicate Dr. reflect and Ernst protection. & McGraw, expected all Young Young’s legal strategy regarding deposi- Ernst & him to be counsel’s communications with part litigation. tion taken as of this discovery. confidential and IV. antici- Young Ernst & or its counsel

Had with that counsel’s communications pated of the substance of Compelled disclosure subject consultant would be litigation Wood, counsel, his conversations between Dr. Young asserts discovery, Ernst & require Dr. would disclosure McGraw not have been retained or McGraw would protected by communications the work matters coun- the nature and extent of the doctrine. The communications him would have been communicated to sel during a consultation that fo- place took severely curtailed. and Dr. cused on those issues that counsel to be central to the perceived McGraw that, upon asserts based Moreover, communications were case. confidentiality, Dr. expectation and made in intended to be confidential open participated frank McGraw such, the litigation. As Young’s with Ernst & counsel discussions are at communications core regarding important counsel’s view of and are discov- doctrine case, contentions of the facts of the excep- of rare and themes, upon erable Young’s and Ernst parties, appeal The issue on theories, tional circumstances. These discus- strategies. the District Court erred whether were at all times understood sions that communications between partici- concluding all intended to be confidential 1981) (4th (affirming a district testimony. In re F.2d 1073 Cir. charge of falsified See Case, disclosure of court order that allowed Impounded 879 F.2d 1213-14 1989) government present priv product where the (noting Cir. doctrine, prima ed a facie case of subordination ilege, does not like the work attorney during representa perjury by firm into matters where law limit Doe, trials). in criminal allegedly criminally); In re tion of clients acted *10 Wood, McGraw, parameters and counsel are not more narrow than the work Dr. by any doctrine, see, discovery privilege protected e.g., United States v. Nobles, immunity. 238 n. S.Ct. (1975), I 45 L.Ed.2d 141 nevertheless District erred that the Court We hold attorney-client privi- am satisfied that the Discovery Master’s Special and that the McGraw, lege operative was when Dr. the essentially correct. These com- ruling Wood, client and E & Y’s counsel were product protec- merit munications engaged contemporaneous and simulta- Special Discovery Master tion. The concerning neous discussions the instant exceptional that no cir- found properly justify litigation. cited to the ex- As counsel for E & Y stated in were cumstances brief, by sought attempt Cendant. Nonethe- its “the District Court’s ploration less, may allegedly non-privileged we believe Wood be asked ‘carve out’ ‘two- - anticipated testimony whether his was way’ communications between a client and inquiry or rehearsed. But this practiced during ‘three-way’ a trial consultant As with all dis- should be circumscribed. counsel, client, meeting among the and the matters, much to covery we leave the impossible trial consultant is ... to exe- sound of the District discretion Court. (E 15.) cute.” Y Br. at That view was expressed forcefully Stanley even more outlined,

For the reasons we will reverse Beisecker, D. D. Davis & Thomas Discov- the order of the District Court and remand ering Trial Consultant A Work Product: opin- with this proceedings for consistent Way New Adversary’s Borrow an ion. Wits?, 17 Am. Trial J. Advoc. 626-27 GARTH, Judge. Circuit (1994) (explaining that communications be- practicing testimony I tween a client fully analysis concur with the and hold- and a by opinion of the authored consultant are not discoverable Court’s question is no Judge Chief Scirica. There responses “[i]ntertwined with the client’s that Procedure Federal Rules of Civil questions, to mock and the consultant’s (4) permit do not discov- thereto, inevitably reactions will be client ery of Dr. sought. McGraw which Cendant ... communications which are intend- by ed part client to be a confidential

I am also in Judge accord with Chief relationship with counsel. Extirpating holding Special Discovery Scirica’s the comments of the consultant from this Master’s ruling and directions as to limited impossible context well be without discovery my view, are correct. that bringing along these communications and ruling- govern and those should directions frustrating purpose thus of the attor- discovery proceedings. the further ney-client privilege.”). however, I I separately, write am attorney-client also privilege operates of the that sought protect which was the instant context from disclosure communications precluded attorney- client, counsel, was as well among the and in circum- (cid:127) privilege-an client issue not reached here, present stances such as are a third Chief Judge opinion. Scirica McGraw) See (here, Dr. who was assist- Maj. parties n. 5. The Op. at 661 extensive- Eing & Y’s counsel in the formulation of briefed, ly presented argument oral legal advice. I am persuaded on, the applicability product privilege, addition to the work privilege. attorney-client privilege

While I communications voiced at the recognize meetings in certain re- spects attorney-client privilege has Wood’s counsel and Dr. McGraw. As I *11 (as Duracell, Inc., Co., Inc.; successor three-way in- of how conceive cannot Mallory Battery Co., Inc.); E.I. par- these three among terchange of views Co.; Dupont De Nemours & Eastern strategy conferences ticipants Smelting Refining Corp.; Eagle leaving only & parsed, dissected or could be advice, Corpo I would hard Minerals and Chemicals questions Y’s E & Sys ration; was attorney-client privilege Environmental Control hold tems; Corporation; Federal Exxon implicated. Administration; Garfield

Aviation Baring Corporation, Garfield f/k/a Co.; Smelting Refining & General Company; Electric General Color Inc.; Signal Corpora Co., General Co.; tion; Instrument Gilmartin INTERNATIONAL, INC.; MORTON Supply Company, Electric Hartford Corporation; NWI Chemical Velsicol Inc.; Corporation; Henkel Hoffman- Co.; Management Fruit of Land Larouche, Inc.; Hudsar, Incorporat Loom, Incorporated, Associates, Inc.; ed; Inmar Inmar v. Nickel, Realty, Inc.; International MANUFACTURING A.E. STALEY Inc.; Ney Company; K.E.M. J.M. Gases, COMPANY; Airco Industrial Company; Koppers, Chemical a/k/a Inc., Company, Air Reduction a/k/a East, Inc.; Magnesium Elek Beazer Inc.; Airco, Allied Chemical f/k/a Mahan; tron, Inc.; Marvin H. Mal Company of Corporation; Aluminum Marisol, Chemical, Inc.; linckrodt Cyanam (Alcoa); American America Co., Inc.; Mercury Inc.; En Merck & Armstrong In Company; id World Mercury Inc., terprise, Instru f/k/a Inc.; Bailey dustries, Inc.; Arsynco, Service; Mining and Minnesota ment Co., Bailey Meter Com Controls f/k/a Manufacturing Company; Mobil Oil Co., Inc.; pany; & Becton-Dickinson College; Corporation; MT. Union Co.; Belmont Instrument Belfort Kellogg Co.; National Lead M.W. Smelting Metals, Inc., Belmont f/k/a (Goldsmith Divi Company, Brothers Works, Inc.; Refining Canadian & sion); Inc.; England Nepera, New Inc., Ltd.; Canrad, Gypsum Company, Jersey Co., Inc.; In New Laminates (c/o Industries, Precision Canrad Technology, Newark stitute of f/k/a Inc.); Corporation; CIBA-GEIGY Engineering; College New York Conopco, Inc., University; Columbia Authority; City Northeast Transit (Cheeseborough Co. Di Ponds U.S.A. (Northeast Co., & Chemical Chemical Corp.; vision); COSAN Chemical Inc.); Supply Co., Occiden Industrial Sepco Corporation, Hinds Crouse (as Corporation, succes tal Chemical International; Connecticut f/k/a Chemical sor to Diamond Shamrock Corp., James Crown Zellerbach a/k/a formerly Diamond Shamrock Nevada; Corporation of Cur River Corporation, Corporation); Olin f/k/a tiss-Wright; D.F. Chemi Goldsmith Corpora Mathieson Chemical Olin Day Corporation; & cal & Metal Pfizer, Inc.; tion; Curren, & Pease Pharmaceuticals, Baldwin, C-P f/k/a Inc., Industries, Phil Inc.; PSG f/k/a Inc.; Diamond Shamrock Chemicals Inc.; Glass, Phil adelphia Scientific Company, Electro Occidental a/k/a Jacobs, Inc.; lips Public Service & Dow-Corning Corporation; chemicals (PSE G); Gas, Pure Electric & Lamp Electric Corporation; Dura

Case Details

Case Name: In Re: Cendant Corporation Securities Litigation Ernst & Young LLP
Court Name: Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
Date Published: Sep 16, 2003
Citation: 343 F.3d 658
Docket Number: 02-4386
Court Abbreviation: 3rd Cir.
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