Can a lawyer represent multiple clients?

Asked by: Maiya O'Hara  |  Last update: February 19, 2022
Score: 4.4/5 (27 votes)

Rule 1.7(a) provides that a lawyer can only represent multiple clients who are directly adverse to one another if all of the clients provide their informed written consent.

Can multiple people have the same lawyer?

Short answer is Yes. However, it is almost always inadvisable to do so. Two people can waive any and all conflicts and, thus, retain one lawyer to represent them. They also have the right to negotiate any fee they want.

Can a law firm represent two opposing clients?

The California Rules generally permit a lawyer to represent multiple clients with conflicting interests so long as all the clients have provided their informed written consent.

What risks are involved when a lawyer simultaneously represents two clients on the same side of litigation?

[11] When lawyers representing different clients in the same matter or in substantially related matters are closely related by blood or marriage, there may be a significant risk that client confidences will be revealed and that the lawyer's family relationship will interfere with both loyalty and independent ...

What is the 1.7 rule?

[1] Rule 1.7 is intended to provide clear notice of circumstances that may constitute a conflict of interest. Rule 1.7(a) sets out the limited circumstances in which representation of conflicting interests is absolutely prohibited even with the informed consent of all involved clients.

Client interview- Laws Lawyers Society

39 related questions found

Can a lawyer work against a client?

They can- not accept, or are ignorant of, the responsibility of the lawyer to be independent. A lawyer does not condone or endorse the actions of a client simply through representing them.

Can a lawyer represent a client in court?

(c) A lawyer may represent a client with respect to a matter in the circumstances described in paragraph (b) above if each potentially affected client provides consent to such representation after full disclosure of the existence and nature of the possible conflict and the possible adverse consequences of such ...

Can I talk to another lawyer if I already have one?

Fire your attorney before you hire someone else. There are ethical rules that prevent lawyers from speaking to someone who already has an attorney. Generally, if you're shopping around for new representation, the new lawyer will ask to see a copy of the letter you sent firing your old attorney.

What is the rule about simultaneously representing two clients whose interests are adverse?

ABA Model Rule 1.7(a) prohibits concurrent conflicts, which it defines as "directly adverse" interests or interests that carry "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 ...

Can you as a lawyer be the counsel of two companies and then choose to represent one of them against the other in the court?

Your lawyer should not act for you or your partner in those circumstances. Lawyers are not able to represent more than one client in the same legal matter unless they comply with Rule 12 of the Rules.

Can married lawyers go against each other?

When lawyers representing different clients are related by blood or marriage, they must disclose it to their clients and get consent to continue. So, in real life, Tracy and Hepburn's characters would have needed consent by everyone to oppose each other in court.

Can two attorneys work on the same case?

Yes, you can hire another attorney to either take over or co-counsel . However, if the sentence has already been given, your friend and the second lawyer have a completely different matter to handle. Hiring a second attorney cannot be for a do-over.

Can a lawyer represent family?

Lawyers are not allowed to represent you if they are your friend or have been associated with you as a couple during your marriage, or if they are a family member due to these conflict issues.

Can two lawyers from the same firm represent opposing parties?

Same lawyer cannot appear or represent parties which are opposite parties in litigation.

Is it ethical for an attorney to represent co-defendants in a criminal case?

An attorney has a duty of loyalty to his client. An attorney cannot represent two co-defendants if there is an actual conflict. ... If there is a potential conflict, an attorney may get "A" and "B" to agree to allow their information to be shared with the same attorney. However, this is very risky for the attorney.

Can the same law firm represent co-defendants?

The answer is a qualified, “Yes,” provided that there are no conflicts between the defendants that require the attorney to choose which client to more vigorously represent. As a practical matter, it is rarely advisable for an attorney to represent co-defendants charged in the same crime or criminal conspiracy.

Can a client consent to incompetent representation?

A lawyer cannot obtain an advance consent to incompetent representation. ... The lawyer must seek court approval where necessary and take steps to minimize harm to the clients. See rule 1.16. The lawyer must continue to protect the confidences of the clients from whose representation the lawyer has withdrawn.

Can the same law firm represent both 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.

Can a lawyer represent a client with interest adverse to those of a former client?

Section 39 of the Draft Code of Ethics require that an advocate shall not advise or represent both sides of a dispute and, except after adequate disclosure to and with the consent of the clients, preferably after receiving an independent legal advice, shall not act or continue to act in a matter when there is a ...

What is unethical for a lawyer?

Attorney misconduct may include: conflict of interest, overbilling, refusing to represent a client for political or professional motives, false or misleading statements, knowingly accepting worthless lawsuits, hiding evidence, abandoning a client, failing to disclose all relevant facts, arguing a position while ...

What is it called when a lawyer doesn't do his job?

Legal malpractice is a type of negligence in which a lawyer does harm to his or her client. Typically, this concerns lawyers acting in their own interests, lawyers breaching their contract with the client, and, one of the most common cases of legal malpractice, is when lawyers fail to act on time for clients.

Can I sue a lawyer for lying?

The rules of legal ethics in most states require attorneys to be honest and to be able to do their job at a certain level of competence. If you feel that your legal representative has lied or misled you, or is performing their duties at a level below that of a competent attorney, you may want to file a lawsuit.

Can a lawyer represent his own case?

The law provides for party to present his case which is called as “Party in Person”. On that principle the lawyer can conduct his own case. But your question is tricky. He must either appear by himself or through his advocate.

How do lawyers get more cases?

Provide them with your business cards and let them know of the kind of work you're engaged/interested in. The best people to ask for referrals are your clients – ask them send you new in future and ask your client to refer you to a friend.

Are lawyers and attorneys the same thing?

Lawyers are people who have gone to law school and often may have taken and passed the bar exam. ... An attorney is someone who is not only trained and educated in law, but also practices it in court.