A broad “John Doe” summons from the IRS to a law firm for the identities of its clients who may have sought offshore tax advice is teeing up a fight in the U.S. Supreme Court over the scope of the attorney-client privilege.

The general rule in most circuits is that the privilege does not protect the identities of clients or fee arrangements. But some courts also recognize a narrow, rare exception where disclosure would reveal the client’s confidential motive for retaining an attorney.

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