A federal judge’s ruling this week that ordered Covington & Burling to disclose some client names to the Securities and Exchange Commission has alarmed some legal analysts, including those who say it could erode attorney-client relations and may be used by government agencies to expand the use of administrative subpoenas.

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta of the District of Columbia’s ruling on Monday could have lasting consequences in “eroding the principle that the attorney-client relationship is confidential,” Susan Carle, professor of law at American University Washington College of Law, said in an interview. It could also deter companies or organizations from seeking outside counsel in the first place, Carle added.

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