Which statement about conflicts with current clients is true?

Which statement about conflicts with current clients is true?

• A. Conflicts with a current client are never good
• B. Conflicts with a current client can always be resolved with a court order
• C. Conflicts with a current client are irrelevant
• D. Conflicts with a current client are automatically waived if fees are paid

Answer: (A)

Conflicts with a current client threaten the attorney’s loyalty and ability to represent that client zealously. Because a current conflict means the lawyer’s interests or duties to another party could interfere with how the client’s case is handled, such situations are inherently problematic and should be avoided or addressed by withdrawing rather than trying to “fix” them with fees or external orders. The other statements miss the mark: a court order cannot create ethical permission to continue with a conflicting representation, conflicts are not irrelevant, and fees do not automatically waive ethical obligations.

Conflicts with a current client threaten the attorney’s loyalty and ability to represent that client zealously. Because a current conflict means the lawyer’s interests or duties to another party could interfere with how the client’s case is handled, such situations are inherently problematic and should be avoided or addressed by withdrawing rather than trying to “fix” them with fees or external orders. The other statements miss the mark: a court order cannot create ethical permission to continue with a conflicting representation, conflicts are not irrelevant, and fees do not automatically waive ethical obligations.