Conflict Checks Tips
January 3, 2023
Reading time: 2 minutes

As lawyers, we often look forward to the next client and the next case. However, in our rush to entertain a new business opportunity, a proper conflicts check may be neglected.
Rule 1.7 of the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct states that “a lawyer shall not represent a client if the representation involves a concurrent conflict of interest. A concurrent conflict of interest exists if:
- the representation of one client will be directly adverse to another client; or
- 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 the personal interest of the lawyer.”
The key to properly avoiding conflicts is to have a robust conflicts check policy and consistently apply it. Today’s sophisticated billing software allows you to run party names to reveal any conflict or prior representation of the parties. Now that nearly all case filings are done electronically, you can confirm your conflicts check by checking case filings in your local jurisdiction. (This may even help you avoid an unsavory client!) Finally, circulate a conflicts check around your firm with a twenty-four hour response deadline. You may not know who your partners have represented in the past. Or, perhaps they have already spoken to the opposing party in your potential case.
Make sure your staff is able to implement the policy to properly screen potential clients before you speak to them. This saves you time, and more importantly, may protect an existing client relationship. By not taking a call or meeting with a potential client in which you learn confidential information about the case, you could still represent your current client without being conflicted out.
Though it may seem tedious, the obligation to perform a proper conflicts will save you time, money, and client relationships.
Looking for more conflicts of interest guidance? Visit https://attorneyprotective.com/cle-webinars to register for a free webinar on conflicts of interest on June 14, 2023.
Additional Law Firm Management content

Line in the Sand – Establishing Boundaries in the “Of Counsel” Relationship
Law Firm Management
Sharing an office space with another lawyer or professional, even when not part of the same law practice, can be a completely ethical (and financially beneficial) endeavor. However, there are some ethical boundaries to consider when sharing office space.

How Lawyers Can Share Office Spaces in an Ethical Way
Law Firm Management
Sharing an office space with another lawyer or professional, even when not part of the same law practice, can be a completely ethical (and financially beneficial) endeavor. However, there are some ethical boundaries to consider when sharing office space.

Personal Injury Attorney Advertising Tips from Ted Lasso
Law Firm Management
ABA Model Rule 4.2 prohibits attorneys from communicating with a person who is known to be represented by another attorney about the subject matter of the representation, unless that attorney has given consent or you are authorized by law or a court to speak with that person.
Information provided by AttPro Ally is not intended as legal advice. This publication provides best practices for use in connection with general circumstances and ordinarily does not address specific situations. Specific situations should be discussed with legal counsel licensed in the appropriate jurisdiction. By publishing practice and risk prevention tips, Attorney Protective neither implies nor provides any guarantee that claims can be prevented by the use of the suggested practices. Though the contents of AttPro Ally have been carefully researched, Attorney Protective makes no warranty as to its accuracy, applicability, or timeliness. Anyone wishing to reproduce any part of the AttPro Ally content must request permission from Attorney Protective by calling 877-728-8776 or sending an email to [email protected].
© 2023 AttPro Ally. All rights reserved.