Rule 1.7 Conflict of Interest: Current Clients
Client-lawyer Relationship
Rule Text
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), a lawyer shall not represent a client if the representation involves a current conflict of interest. A current conflict of interest exists if: (1) the representation of one client will be directly adverse to another client; (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; or (3) the lawyer is related to another lawyer or LP, as parent, child, sibling, spouse or domestic partner, in a matter adverse to a person whom the lawyer knows is represented by the other lawyer or LP in the same matter.
(b) Notwithstanding the existence of a current conflict of interest under paragraph (a), a lawyer may represent a client if: (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; (3) the representation does not obligate the lawyer to contend for something on behalf of one client that the lawyer has a duty to oppose on behalf of another client; and (4) each affected client gives informed consent, confirmed in writing.
Amendment history: Adopted 01/01/05. Amended 01/01/26: Paragraph (a)(3) amended to add references to LPs.