ER 1.7 Conflict of Interest: Current Clients
V. Regulation of the Practice of Law | D. Lawyer Obligations | Rule 42. Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct | Client–Lawyer Relationship
Rule Text
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), a lawyer shall not represent a client if the representation involves a concurrent conflict of interest. A concurrent conflict of interest exists if:
(1) the representation of one client will be directly adverse to another client; or
(2) there is a significant risk that the representation of one or more clients will be materially limited by the lawyer's responsibilities to another client, a former client or a third person or by a personal interest of the lawyer.
(b) Notwithstanding the existence of a concurrent conflict of interest under paragraph (a), a lawyer may represent a client if each affected client gives informed consent, confirmed in writing, and:
(1) the lawyer reasonably believes that the lawyer will be able to provide competent and diligent representation to each affected client;
(2) the representation is not prohibited by law; and
(3) the representation does not involve the assertion of a claim by one client against another client represented by the lawyer in the same litigation or other proceeding before a tribunal.
(c) A lawyer may not represent a party in asserting a claim against another party represented by a firm if the same person or entity holds an ownership interest, directly or indirectly, of 10 percent or more, or has managerial authority comparable to that of a partner, in the lawyer's firm and the other firm.
Amendment history: Amended June 9, 2003, effective Dec. 1, 2003; Aug. 27, 2020, effective Jan. 1, 2021.