ArcherThe American Bar Association (ABA) has been drawn into a highly charged war of words with the US’ most influential state bar associations over controversial reforms to its client whistle-blowing rules.

Leading the opposition to the reforms, which were narrowly passed at the ABA’s annual conference on 12 August, the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) said the shift would “erode the crucial confidential relationship between attorneys and their clients”.