what to ask when hiring an attorney re conflict of interest

by Dr. Gayle Smith 7 min read

What happens if my attorney has a conflict of interest?

Dec 07, 2018 · There are a variety of conflicts of interest that can prevent a lawyer from taking on a particular case. The conflict may occur between the prospective client and one of the attorney's current or former clients. There can also be concerns if a client's interests are in conflict with the lawyer's professional or personal relationships.

When should you perform a conflicts check when hiring a client?

Feb 01, 2021 · Ask whether your attorney works on a contingency fee basis, what payment options are available, and how often you will be billed. Question 5: “Are there other ways of solving my case?” When it comes to solving a legal problem, going to court is …

What is an example of a conflict of interest in law?

Feb 10, 2016 · The attorney has consulted with and/or been retained by another person in the case or potential case. 2. The attorney has another client whose interests may overlap or conflict with yours. 3. The attorney has a previous client whose interests may be at odds with yours. 4. The attorney has “inside information” on the matter because of a former client.

Can an attorney compromise a client's interest?

Oct 25, 2019 · The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is …

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What are 3 questions you should ask a lawyer before hiring?

Below are ten questions to ask your potential lawyer.
  • How long have you practiced law? ...
  • What type of cases do you generally handle? ...
  • Who is your typical client? ...
  • How many cases have you represented that were similar to mine?
Apr 13, 2018

What questions may associates ask to decide if something is a conflict of interest?

The relevant factors in determining whether a conflict of interest may adversely affect a lawyer's representation of a client include (1) the duration and intimacy of the lawyer's relationship with the involved client or clients; (2) the work to be performed by the lawyer; (3) the likelihood that actual conflict will ...

What are some good questions to ask a lawyer?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation
  • 1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?
  • 2) What would be your strategy for my case?
  • 3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?
  • 4) What are my possible outcomes?
  • 5) Who will actually handle my case?
  • 6) What is my role in my case?
Jan 29, 2017

How do you prove conflict of interest?

A conflict of interest exists if a legislator has any interest or engages in any business, transaction, or professional activity, or incurs any obligation, which is in substantial conflict with the proper discharge of his or her duties in the public interest.Sep 3, 2021

What are examples of conflicts of interest?

Examples of Conflicts of Interest At Work
  • Hiring an unqualified relative to provide services your company needs.
  • Starting a company that provides services similar to your full-time employer.
  • Failing to disclose that you're related to a job candidate the company is considering hiring.

What are the three types of conflict of interest?

Part 3: Different types of conflicts of interest
  • financial conflict;
  • non-financial conflict;
  • conflict of roles; or.
  • predetermination.

What lawyers should not tell?

9 Taboo Sayings You Should Never Tell Your Lawyer
  • I forgot I had an appointment. ...
  • I didn't bring the documents related to my case. ...
  • I have already done some of the work for you. ...
  • My case will be easy money for you. ...
  • I have already spoken with 5 other lawyers. ...
  • Other lawyers don't have my best interests at heart.
Mar 17, 2021

What you should know before you talk to a lawyer?

10 Things You Should Know Before Contacting a Lawyer
  • Have Your Documents Ready. ...
  • Research the Elements of Your Case. ...
  • Don't Call if You Just Have a Question. ...
  • You May Not Speak to a Lawyer Right Away. ...
  • Do Not Ask the Legal Support Staff for Advice. ...
  • Don't Provide Too Much Information. ...
  • Answer the Lawyer's Specific Questions.
Feb 6, 2020

How do I prepare for an attorney interview?

If you are interviewing virtually, all of these tips apply.
  1. Do your research. Lawyers are known for being good researchers. ...
  2. Be presentable and dress your best. ...
  3. Come prepared to ask questions. ...
  4. Be personable and show enthusiasm. ...
  5. Be genuine. ...
  6. Promptly send a thank-you note.
Oct 28, 2020

What are the 4 types of conflict of interest?

Conflict of Interest
  • Contractual or legal obligations (to business partners, vendors, employees, employer, etc.)
  • Loyalty to family and friends.
  • Fiduciary duties.
  • Professional duties.
  • Business interests.

Can 2 lawyers from the same firm represent opposing parties?

It is feasible (albeit far from ideal) with the informed consent of the clients for two lawyers in the same firm to represent parties opposed in interest. Joint retainer agreements will typically spell out that in the event of a conflict, the law firm may decline to continue to represent one or all of the clients.

Why would a lawyer have a conflict of interest?

[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.

When was NYSBA Ethics Opinion 715 published?

[ Editor’s Note: This article was conceived before the release of NYSBA Ethics Opinion 715 (3-98), on Feb. 26, 1999. Because of the importance of Opinion 715, the article has been revised to quote its most salient sections. NYPRR May 1999 will carry a detailed summary of Opinion 715.]

What is the difference between ABA Model Rules 1.7 and 1.9?

The key difference between these two rules is that representation adverse to a former client is prohibited only for the same or substantially related matters (Rule 1.9), while representation adverse to a present client may be prohibited even for unrelated matters (Rule 1.7).

What is a conflict of interest?

A conflict exists if the parties are adverse. The most common conflict of interest involves a new client who wants to sue one of your current clients. Here, the clients are clearly adverse to each other so there is a conflict. For example, you represent A in ongoing employment litigation.

What is a conflict check?

Generally, a conflict check consists of checking whether a new client is adverse to other clients you have represented, past and present.

How many states have adopted the ABA model rules of professional conduct?

Six states have adopted the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct. California has their own rules, but has adopted the comments. [19]#N#X Trustworthy Source American Bar Association Leading professional organization of lawyers and law students Go to source#N#Thanks!#N#Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Who is Lahaina Araneta?

This article was co-authored by Lahaina Araneta, JD. Lahaina Araneta, Esq. is an Immigration Attorney for Orange County, California with over 6 years of experience. She received her JD from Loyola Law School in 2012. In law school, she participated in the immigrant justice practicum and served as a volunteer with several nonprofit agencies. This article has been viewed 25,517 times.

What is a good attorney?

A good attorney will know whether there are alternatives to solving your case, such as an out-of-court agreement or arbitration. Make sure to ask your attorney about which options are available for resolving your case and an estimated timeline for it to be resolved.

Is going to court the best option?

When it comes to solving a legal problem, going to court is not always the first or best option. A good attorney will know whether there are alternatives to solving your case, such as an out-of-court agreement or arbitration.

What is statutory fee?

Statutory fee – Depending on the legal work, some forms have a legally set fee called a statutory fee. Ask whether your attorney works on a contingency fee basis, what payment options are available, and how often you will be billed.

What is retainer fee?

Retainer fee – This is an advanced payment system based on an attorney’s hourly rate. You put the retainer in an account, then your lawyer deducts fees as he progresses through your case. Statutory fee – Depending on the legal work, some forms have a legally set fee called a statutory fee.

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Recognizing Conflicts

  • Many lawyers now choose to work as temporaries instead of committing themselves to the intrigues and vicissitudes of permanent law firm employment. Some temporaries are between jobs or appointments. Some find contract work more compatible with a part-time home-and-work life style. Whatever her background, over the course of her career, the typical ...
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Present vs. Former Client

  • ABA Model Rules 1.7 and 1.9 cover conflicts of interest involving present and former clients. The key difference between these two rules is that representation adverse to a former client is prohibited only for the same or substantially related matters (Rule 1.9), while representation adverse to a present client may be prohibited even for unrelated matters (Rule 1.7). ABA Op. 88-…
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When Does Representation Arise

  • What level of participation in a matter will determine whether a temporary lawyer has “represented the client?” What if she is asked only to research legal issues and to prepare notes for a memorandum of law? ABA Op. 88-356 says that a lawyer who does any work on a matter represents the client for purposes of the conflicts rules. Some courts have distinguished betwee…
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Approach in Other States

  • A handful of other states have attempted to deal with the problem of conflicts posed by the hiring of temporaries. Kentucky and South Carolina have adopted ABA Op. 88-356. New Hampshire cautions that a lawyer who offers pro tempore coverage of court hearings on a regular basis may be considered part of the firm for conflicts purposes [Opinion 1993-94-8]. The California State B…
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Examples of A Conflict of Interest

Get Familiar with Your Company Or Organization’S Rules

  • Every company has a handbook or rules for employees to follow that outline their policies. Get familiar with these guidelines, including restrictions that may apply. These may include not hiring a close relative or spouse and strict confidentiality when handling personal information. By following the organization’s rules, allegations of a conflict of interest can be largely avoided. So…
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The Consequences of A Conflict of Interest

  • If an organization or company can prove or substantiate that you shared confidential information or acted in your interests, they may take further action. The consequences may include disciplinary action at work, loss of a current position or employment. Other actions may lead to a lawsuit or legal action to recover any financial losses, if applicable.
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Hire A Conflict of Interest Attorney

  • When should you hire a conflict of interest attorney? Suppose you’re facing allegations of making a decision that goes against your company or organization’s rules to better your interests. In that case, it’s best to declare the conflict of interest and mitigate the best solution. In some cases, a company may insist that a conflict of interest occu...
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Direct Adversity

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Perhaps the clearest and most common attorney conflicts of interest is when an attorney is asked to represent one client who has an adverse interest to another client. For instance, an attorney cannot normally represent both the buyer and a seller of real property in most circumstances because the buyer and seller have a…
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Material Limitation

  • Another one of the common attorney conflicts of interest is when the lawyer’s representation will be materially limited by some interest. This doctrine is broader and more fluid than the direct adversity limitation noted above. For instance, family ties and financial interests can all play into a material limitation. In some instances, a material limitation may be more nuanced than what mig…
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Imputation of Conflicts

  • Another important thing to keep in mind concerning common attorney conflicts of interest is that a conflict will often be imputed on other lawyers who work with an attorney. Generally, if one lawyer is conflicted from pursuing a representation, all of the attorneys who work in the same firm are also precluded from representing a client. Sometimes, jurisdictions permit law firms to creat…
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Conflict of Interest Waivers

  • Another time when common attorney conflicts of interest may not preclude a lawyer from pursuing a representation is when both clients sign a conflict-of-interest waiver. Such waivers generally must inform the clients of the potential conflict of interest, that each client is capable of retaining other counsel, and that they still choose to be represented by the conflicted lawyer des…
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