Legal Definitions - core work product

Core work product refers to tangible or intangible material that was either prepared by or for a lawyer, or prepared for litigation. This includes any material that is planned or in progress, and is generally exempt from discovery or other compelled disclosure. The term is also used to describe the products of a party's investigation or communications concerning the subject matter of a lawsuit if made to assist in the prosecution or defense of a pending suit, or in reasonable anticipation of litigation.

• A lawyer's notes on a case
• A draft of a legal brief
• Communications between a lawyer and their client regarding the case

These examples illustrate core work product because they are materials that were prepared by or for a lawyer, or prepared for litigation. They are also exempt from discovery or other compelled disclosure, unless the party seeking discovery can show a substantial need for the materials.