ACC Applauds France’s Adoption of Legal Professional Privilege for In-House Counsel

France's formal adoption of legislation is a significant step in protecting the confidentiality of corporate legal advice

Washington, DC - January 16, 2026 - The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) applauds France's formal adoption of legislation recognizing legal professional privilege for legal consultations prepared by in-house counsel or under their control. While the privilege is limited in scope - it can't be invoked in criminal or tax proceedings and will also not be opposable to EU authorities exercising their investigative powers - it is a significant step in protecting the confidentiality of corporate legal advice.<_o3a_p>

"This is an important milestone for in-house counsel and the rule of law," said Jason L. Brown, president and CEO of the Association of Corporate Counsel. "Legal professional privilege is fundamental to ensuring organizations can seek candid legal guidance and uphold strong compliance and governance practices."<_o3a_p>

ACC has long advocated for consistent legal professional privilege protections for in-house counsel across jurisdictions, particularly in Europe, where uneven frameworks continue to create legal uncertainty for multinational organizations.<_o3a_p>

"This development reflects meaningful progress and emphasizes why continued advocacy remains critical," said Dave Hart, president of ACC Europe. "Protecting the confidentiality of legal advice given by in-house counsel is key to ensuring that organizations seek and receive candid guidance. Such protection supports effective corporate compliance and governance, and the rule of law."<_o3a_p>

ACC will continue its global advocacy efforts to promote legal professional privilege as a cornerstone of effective governance and the rule of law.<_o3a_p>

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About ACC

The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) is the premier global legal association that promotes the common professional and business interests of in-house counsel who work for corporations, associations and other organizations through information, education, networking, and advocacy. For more than 40 years, ACC has set the standard for in-house counsel and raised awareness regarding the value of the chief legal officer in the C-suite and boardroom. With nearly 50,000 members employed by over 12,000 organizations and spanning 100+ nations, ACC connects its members to the people and resources necessary for both personal and professional growth. By in-house counsel, for in-house counsel® remains the foundation for ACC's market leadership. For more information, visit www.acc.comand follow ACC on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.<_o3a_p>

About ACC Europe <_o3a_p>

The Association of Corporate Counsel Europe (ACC Europe)serves the needs of lawyers practicing in corporations and other organisations throughout Europe. ACC Europe, with more than 3,800 members, promotes the interests of all in-house counsel across the region through the sharing of information, education, networking and advocacy while demonstrating innovation, inclusion and leadership for the benefit of the whole profession. ACC Europe is the largest chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC), which since its founding in 1982 has grown to nearly 50,000 members in 100+ countries employed by over 12,000 organizations. ACC connects its members to the people and resources necessary for both personal and professional growth. Additional information about ACC Europe can be found at https://www.acc.com/chapters-networks/chapters/europe. <_o3a_p>