Estates and Trusts - Fiduciaries - Attorney-Client Privilege

SB 135 clarifies that attorney-client privilege applies to communications between an attorney and a client who also serves as a fiduciary (such as a trustee or executor), even when fiduciary funds (like trust money) pay for the legal services. This directly affects individuals managing estates or trusts and their beneficiaries by ensuring confidential legal advice remains protected. The bill amends Maryland's Estates and Trusts law (Section 15-117) to explicitly state that using fiduciary funds for legal fees does not waive the privilege, and a fiduciary relationship alone cannot invalidate this protection. It takes effect October 1, 2025.