can an attorney represent someone who may have an adverse relationship to a prior client?

Lawyers often encounter potential conflicts of interest with former clients. The general rule is that a lawyer may not represent a new client who is materially adverse to a former client when the subject of the representation is “substantially related” to the lawyer’s prior representation.

Full Answer

Can a lawyer represent a client who has previously represented another?

Client-Lawyer Relationship. (a) A lawyer who has formerly represented a client in a matter shall not thereafter represent another person in the same or a substantially related matter in which that person's interests are materially adverse to the interests of the former client unless the former client gives informed consent, confirmed in writing. (b) A lawyer shall not knowingly represent …

Can a lawyer represent a client with adverse interests in family law?

A lawyer who has formerly represented a client in a matter shall not thereafter represent another person in the same or a substantially related matter in which that person’s interests are materially adverse to the interests of the former client unless the former client gives informed consent, confirmed in writing.

What makes a relationship between an attorney and a former client?

(a) A lawyer shall not represent a client if the representation of that client will be directly adverse to another client, unless: (1) the lawyer reasonably believes the representation will not adversely affect the relationship with the other client; and (2) each client consents after consultation.

Can a lawyer represent a client without informed consent?

Without prior consent, a lawyer who personally has formerly represented a client in a matter shall not thereafter represent another person in a matter adverse to the former client: (1) in which such other person questions the validity of the lawyer's services or work product for the former client;

Can a lawyer represent a client with interest adverse to those of a former client?

"It is never proper for a lawyer to represent clients with conflicting interest no matter how carefully and thoroughly the lawyer discloses the possible effects and obtains consents." ... Because of this constitutional injunction, there is absolutely no conflict between interest and duty in criminal cases.

Can you act against former clients?

Acting against a former client Lawyers and law practices have ongoing duties to former clients, most obviously the duty of confidentiality. Lawyers and law practices have an obligation1 to avoid conflicts between the interests of their current clients and the interests of their former clients.

What is the principal ethical interest protected by the rule against representing a client with adverse interests to a former client?

Although the principal value at issue in conflicts of interest involving former clients is confidentiality, there is a residual duty of loyalty that the Supreme Court has recognized.

Can a lawyer represent a family member?

Technically lawyers are allowed to represent anyone, including members of their own families. However, depending on the state where you practice and type of case you need to handle, the answer to this question may be buried beneath a mountain of fine print and gray areas.

What is a legal conflict?

Definition. A difference between the laws of two or more jurisdictions with some connection to a case, such that the outcome depends on which jurisdiction's law will be used to resolve each issue in dispute.

Is the retainer relevant in determining a conflict of interest?

“A practitioner must not appear as an advocate and, unless there are exceptional circumstances justifying the practitioner's continuing retainer by the practitioner's client, the practitioner must not act, or continue to act, in a case in which it is known, or becomes apparent, that the practitioner will be required to ...

How do you prove conflict of interest?

"A potential conflict of interest exists if the private interests of the person, as indicated by the person's disclosure statement, might interfere with the public interests the person is required to serve in the exercise of the person's authority and duties in the person's office or position of employment." Ohio Rev.Sep 3, 2021

How can a law firm avoid conflict of interest?

Implement System SafeguardsIt is advisable to avoid all conflicts, regardless of whether the client consents to the representation after full disclosure.Don't take any case with even the slightest hint of a conflict of interest.Don't become personally involved with a client. ... Never go into business with a client.Jun 18, 2012

When should a law firm conduct a conflicts check?

Remember that conflict checking is not one and done, but an ongoing process. You check at the intake stage, when a new party enters the action, and when a new attorney becomes involved. Being proactive with ongoing conflicts checks helps to protect your client and to guard against malpractice.Nov 28, 2018

Can lawyers represent their spouses?

Yes, as long as there is no conflict of interest in doing so. Partner, of course, can mean romantic partner and it can mean business partner. But it doesn't really matter. It is perfectly acceptable for a lawyer to represent either one, as long as none of the usual reasons preventing representation do not apply.

Can you represent a relative?

Generally speaking, representation of a family member does not rise to the level of a personal conflict of interest, but in some situations the lawyer may conclude that he or she cannot provide the necessary level of advocacy on behalf of a family member client because the claim is against another family member.Oct 1, 2012

What does it mean when a lawyer has a conflict of interest?

A conflict of interest is defined as a conflict between professional duties and private interests, or when there is a conflict between the duty to one client and another.May 20, 2019

What are the rules for a lawyer?

A lawyer shall not knowingly represent a person in the same or a substantially related matter in which a firm with which the lawyer formerly was associated had previously represented a client#N#whose interests are materially adverse to that person; and#N#about whom the lawyer had acquired information protected by Rule 1.6 and 1.9 (c) that is material to the matter; unless the former client gives informed consent, confirmed in writing. 1 whose interests are materially adverse to that person; and 2 about whom the lawyer had acquired information protected by Rule 1.6 and 1.9 (c) that is material to the matter; unless the former client gives informed consent, confirmed in writing.

Can a lawyer represent a former client?

Lawyers often encounter potential conflicts of interest with former clients. The general rule is that a lawyer may not represent a new client who is materially adverse to a former client when the subject of the representation is “substantially related” to the lawyer’s prior representation. The primary purpose of the “substantial relationship” test ...

What are the principles of a lawyer?

General Principles. [1] Loyalty and independent judgment are essential elements in the lawyer's relationship to a client. Concurrent conflicts of interest can arise from the lawyer's responsibilities to another client, a former client or a third person or from the lawyer's own interests. For specific Rules regarding certain concurrent conflicts ...

Can a lawyer be paid from a co-client?

Interest of Person Paying for a Lawyer's Service. [13] A lawyer may be paid from a source other than the client, including a co-client, if the client is informed of that fact and consents and the arrangement does not compromise the lawyer's duty of loyalty or independent judgment to the client. See Rule 1.8 (f).

What is a conflict of interest in a lawyer?

[8] Even where there is no direct adverseness, a conflict of interest exists if there is a significant risk that a lawyer's ability to consider, recommend or carry out an appropriate course of action for the client will be materially limited as a result of the lawyer's other responsibilities or interests. For example, a lawyer asked to represent several individuals seeking to form a joint venture is likely to be materially limited in the lawyer's ability to recommend or advocate all possible positions that each might take because of the lawyer's duty of loyalty to the others. The conflict in effect forecloses alternatives that would otherwise be available to the client. The mere possibility of subsequent harm does not itself require disclosure and consent. The critical questions are the likelihood that a difference in interests will eventuate and, if it does, whether it will materially interfere with the lawyer's independent professional judgment in considering alternatives or foreclose courses of action that reasonably should be pursued on behalf of the client.

Can a client terminate a lawyer's representation?

[21] A client who has given consent to a conflict may revoke the consent and, like any other client, may terminate the lawyer's representation at any time. Whether revoking consent to the client's own representation precludes the lawyer from continuing to represent other clients depends on the circumstances, including the nature of the conflict, whether the client revoked consent because of a material change in circumstances, the reasonable expectations of the other client and whether material detriment to the other clients or the lawyer would result.

What is informed consent?

[18] Informed consent requires that each affected client be aware of the relevant circumstances and of the material and reasonably foreseeable ways that the conflict could have adverse effects on the interests of that client . See Rule 1.0 (e) (informed consent). The information required depends on the nature of the conflict and the nature of the risks involved. When representation of multiple clients in a single matter is undertaken, the information must include the implications of the common representation, including possible effects on loyalty, confidentiality and the attorney-client privilege and the advantages and risks involved. See Comments [30] and [31] (effect of common representation on confidentiality).

Why is a lawyer asked to represent several individuals seeking to form a joint venture likely to be materially limited in

For example, a lawyer asked to represent several individuals seeking to form a joint venture is likely to be materially limited in the lawyer's ability to recommend or advocate all possible positions that each might take because of the lawyer's duty of loyalty to the others.

Can a lawyer represent another person?

Thus, a lawyer related to another lawyer, e.g., as parent, child, sibling or spouse, ordinarily may not represent a client in a matter where that lawyer is representing another party, unless each client gives informed consent.

What is Rule 1.09?

Rule 1.09 addresses the circumstances in which a lawyer in private practice, and other lawyers who were, are or become members of or associated with a firm in which that lawyer practiced or practices, may represent a client against a former client of that lawyer or the lawyers former firm. Whether a lawyer, or that lawyers present or former firm, is prohibited from representing a client in a matter by reason of the lawyers successive government and private employment is governed by Rule 1.10 rather than by this Rule.

Is a lawyer subject to discipline?

A lawyer is not subject to discipline under Rule 1.05 (b) (1), (3), or (4), however, unless the protected information is actually used. Likewise, a lawyer is not subject to discipline under this Rule unless the new representation by the lawyer in reasonable probability would result in a violation of those provisions. 9.

What is the rule of a lawyer?

Subject to rule 1.2.1, a lawyer shall abide by a client’s decisions concerning the objectives of representation and, as required by rule 1.4, shall reasonably* consult with the client as to the means by which they are to be pursued. Subject to Business and Professions Code section 6068, subdivision (e)(1) and rule 1.6, a lawyer may take such action on behalf of the client as is impliedly authorized to carry out the representation. A lawyer shall abide by a client’s decision whether to settle a matter. Except as otherwise provided by law in a criminal case, the lawyer shall abide by the client’s decision, after consultation with the lawyer, as to a plea to be entered, whether to waive jury trial and whether the client will testify.

Can a lawyer counsel a client?

A lawyer shall not counsel a client to engage, or assist a client in conduct that the lawyer knows* is criminal, fraudulent,* or a violation of any law, rule, or ruling of a tribunal.*

What is the duty of undivided loyalty?

The duty of undivided loyalty to a current client prohibits undertaking representation directly adverse to that client without that client’s informed written consent.* Thus, absent consent, a lawyer may not act as an advocate in one matter against a person* the lawyer represents in some other matter, even when the matters are wholly unrelated. (See Flatt v. Superior Court (1994) 9 Cal.4th 275 [36 Cal.Rptr.2d 537].) A directly adverse conflict under paragraph (a) can arise in a number of ways, for example, when: (i) a lawyer accepts representation of more than one client in a matter in which the interests of the clients actually conflict; (ii) a lawyer, while representing a client, accepts in another matter the representation of a person* who, in the first matter, is directly adverse to the lawyer’s client; or (iii) a lawyer accepts representation of a person* in a matter in which an opposing party is a client of the lawyer or the lawyer’s law firm.* Similarly, direct adversity can arise when a lawyer cross-examines a non-party witness who is the lawyer’s client in another matter, if the examination is likely to harm or embarrass the witness. On the other hand, simultaneous representation in unrelated matters of clients whose interests are only economically adverse, such as representation of competing economic enterprises in unrelated litigation, does not ordinarily constitute a conflict of interest and thus may not require informed written consent* of the respective clients.

Can a lawyer represent a client without written consent?

A lawyer shall not , without informed written consent* from each client and compliance with paragraph (d), represent a client if the representation is directly adverse to another client in the same or a separate matter.

What is an other pecuniary interest?

[1] A lawyer has an “other pecuniary interest adverse to a client” within the meaning of this rule when the lawyer possesses a legal right to significantly impair or prejudice the client’s rights or interests without court action. (See Fletcher v. Davis (2004) 33 Cal.4th 61, 68 [14 Cal.Rptr.3d 58]; see also Bus. & Prof. Code, § 6175.3 [Sale of financial products to elder or dependent adult clients; Disclosure]; Fam. Code, §§ 2033-2034 [Attorney lien on community real property].)However, this rule does not apply to a charging lien given to secure payment of a contingency fee. (See Plummer v. Day/Eisenberg, LLP (2010) 184 Cal.App.4th 38 [108 Cal.Rptr.3d 455].)

Can a lawyer enter into a business transaction with a client?

lawyer shall not enter into a business transaction with a client, or knowingly* acquire an ownership, possessory, security or other pecuniary interest adverse to a client, unless each of the following requirements has been satisfied:

What happens after a lawyer terminates a client relationship?

[1] After termination of a lawyer-client relationship, the lawyer owes two duties to a former client. The lawyer may not (i) do anything that will injuriously affect the former client in any matter in which the lawyer represented the former client, or (ii) at any time use against the former client knowledge or information acquired by virtue of the previous relationship. (See Oasis West Realty, LLC v. Goldman (2011) 51 Cal.4th 811 [124 Cal.Rptr.3d 256]; Wutchumna Water Co. v. Bailey (1932) 216 Cal. 564 [15 P.2d 505].) For example, (i) a lawyer could not properly seek to rescind on behalf of a new client a contract drafted on behalf of the former client and (ii) a lawyer who has prosecuted an accused person* could not represent the accused in a subsequent civil action against the government concerning the same matter. (See also Bus. & Prof. Code, § 6131; 18 U.S.C. § 207(a).) These duties exist to preserve a client’s trust in the lawyer and to encourage the client’s candor in communications with the lawyer.

Frank Wei-Hong Chen

No, probably not. Most likely there is a conflict of interest, but without knowing the nature of the new civil lawsuit, no one can really conclude one way or the other.#N#An attorney may be disqualified if the former client can show that they had a “direct professional relationship…in which the attorney personally provided legal advice...

Jemal K Yarbrough

This is a very complicated issue and you should consult an attorney.#N#While all of the advice given previously is excellent, what concerns me is the relationship between you and the "attorney sub". What was the nature of the relationship? Was he or she making a special appearance on behalf of the other...

Nicholas Basil Spirtos

The fact that he represented you before could create a conflict, but not always one sufficient enough to disqualify him from representing the other party.#N#The original case was criminal, and this one appears to be civil. There may be enough difference in the two that it would be okay.

Michael John Eyre

California’s Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 3-310 (E) provides that an attorney “shall not, without the informed written consent of the client or former client, accept employment adverse to the client or former client where, by reason of the representation of the client or former client, the member has obtained confidential information material to the employment.” A former client, therefore, may seek to....

What is a prospective client?

In the following discussion, a “prospective client” is a person who consults with a lawyer about the possibility of forming a client-lawyer relationship with respect to a matter but who does not enter into a client-lawyer relationship with the lawyer. For purposes of this discussion:

What is Rule 1.09?

Rule 1.09 (a) addresses whether a lawyer may represent a person in a matter adverse to a former client: Without prior consent, a lawyer who personally has formerly represented a client in a matter shall not thereafter represent another person in a matter adverse to the former client: in which such other person questions the validity ...

What does 1.06 mean?

In the opinion of the Committee, (a) the word “client” in Rule 1.06 means a person in a duly formed client-lawyer relationship with the lawyer or the lawyer’s firm , and (b) Rule 1.06 (b) (1) does not apply to representations adverse to the interests of a prospective client. Rule 1.06 (b) (2), on the other hand, ...

What is a former client?

The definition of “former client” is broad and includes persons who had only a one-time consultation. A lawyer-client relationship is created when: 1 A person seeks advice or assistance from a lawyer, 2 The advice or assistance sought pertains to matters within the lawyer’s professional competence; and 3 The lawyer expressly or impliedly agrees to give or actually gives the desired advice or assistance.

What is the New Hampshire Ethics Committee test?

The New Hampshire Ethics Committee has said, “This test provides that the former client need only show that matters embraced in the pending suit in which his former attorney is representing his adversary are substantially related to the previous cause of action. The Court will then assume that confidences pertaining to the matter were revealed during the course of the former representation without inquiring into the nature and extent of such revelations.” Advisory Opinion #1990-91/1.

Can a lawyer represent one spouse in divorce?

Rule 1.9 prohibits representing one spouse in a divorce if the lawyer had previously represented the other spouse or the parties jointly in a “substantially-related matter,” absent consent. Careful scrutiny is needed if the prior representation involved a family law matter, whether or not it involved the current spouse. It is likely that the potential to utilize information obtained during the prior matter will arise and place the lawyer in a position in which his or her obligation to protect a former client’s confidences conflicts with the obligation to represent the current client. In family law matters, the option of obtaining consent from the prior client raises both ethical and practical questions.

What is Rule 1.9?

The Rule 1.9 restriction on a lawyer who has represented a client from representing another with adverse interests in a substantially related matter has special relevance in family law, where questions arise about situations such as: drafting wills for a couple and later, one of them seeking representation in a divorce.

What is the rule for revealing confidential information?

The rule also prohibits the attorney from using any information gained in a former representation against the former client, unless the information has become “generally known ,” and from revealing confidential information. Rule1.9, N.H. Rules of Professional Conduct, as amended effective June 1, 1999.

What is a lawyer-client relationship?

A lawyer-client relationship is created when: A person seeks advice or assistance from a lawyer, The advice or assistance sought pertains to matters within the lawyer’s professional competence; and. The lawyer expressly or impliedly agrees to give or actually gives the desired advice or assistance. State v.

General Principles

• Loyalty and independent judgment are essential elements in the lawyer's relationship to a client. Concurrent conflicts of interest can arise from the lawyer's responsibilities to another client, a former client or a third person or from the lawyer's own interests. For specific Rules regarding certain concurrent conflicts of interest, see Rule 1.8. For former client conflicts of interest, see R…

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Identifying Conflicts of Interest: Directly Adverse

Identifying Conflicts of Interest: Material Limitation

Lawyer's Responsibilities to Former Clients and Other Third Persons

Personal Interest Conflicts

Interest of Person Paying For A Lawyer's Service

Prohibited Representations

Informed Consent

Consent Confirmed in Writing

Revoking Consent