What does it mean when a lawyer says they have a conflict?

Asked by: Dr. Audra Kuhic IV  |  Last update: November 4, 2025
Score: 5/5 (46 votes)

In law, a conflict of interest arises between an attorney and a client if the interests of the attorney, a different client, or a third-party conflict with the interests of the present client. Attorneys have a duty to zealously represent the interests of their client(s).

What does it mean when an attorney says there is a conflict?

What is a Conflict Check? Attorneys have a fiduciary duty that prevents them from representing someone whose interests directly conflict with those of a client they currently represent. To do so constitutes a conflict of interest that could lead to disqualification from representation or malpractice claims.

Why would a lawyer say there is a conflict of interest?

A conflict of interest exists, however, if there is a significant risk that a lawyer's action on behalf of one client will materially limit the lawyer's effectiveness in representing another client in a different case; for example, when a decision favoring one client will create a precedent likely to seriously weaken ...

What does conflict mean in a court case?

Definitions (Conflict/Choice of Law)

"1. A difference between the laws of different states or countries in a case in which a transaction or occurrence central to the case has a connection to two or more jurisdictions. – Often shortened to conflict. Cf. Choice of law.

What is a conflict in a law firm?

A conflict of interest exists when there is a substantial risk that a lawyer or paralegal's loyalty to or representation of a client would be materially and adversely affected by competing duties to another party or competing interests between the client(s) and the licensee.

What Does it Mean When an Attorney Says They "Have a Conflict of Interest?"

21 related questions found

What is a conflict check for a lawyer?

A conflict check is an investigation to see if the interests of a past or current client of the attorney and/or their law firm interfere with your interests, the potential client. If a conflict is found it usually means the attorney cannot represent you because they owe a duty of loyalty to a past or former client.

How do you resolve conflict in law?

When you find yourself in a conflict situation, these five strategies will help you to resolve disagreements quickly and effectively:
  • Raise the Issue Early. Keeping quiet only lets resentment fester. ...
  • Manage Your Emotions. ...
  • Show Empathy. ...
  • Practice Active Listening. ...
  • Acknowledge Criticism.

How do courts resolve conflict?

The nation's 94 district or trial courts are called U.S. district courts. District courts resolve disputes by determining the facts and applying the law to those facts. Learn more about district courts.

How long does a conflict check take?

Using a manual process, a conflict check could take hours. With the help of tools and technology, however, conflict checks can be completed in minutes or even seconds (more on this later).

What are the two types of legal conflicts?

The recommended approach tracks the ABA Model Rule, which generally describes two kinds of conflict situations relating to current clients: (1) those involving direct adversity, (MR 1.7(a)(1)), and (2) those involving a significant risk that a lawyer's representation of current clients will be materially limited by the ...

How do you know if your lawyer is selling you out?

How Can You Tell If Your Lawyer Is Selling You Out?
  • They Regularly Miss Deadlines and Appointments. ...
  • They Show a Lack of Interest in Your Case. ...
  • They Are Pushing You Too Quickly or Forcefully to Settle. ...
  • They Fail to Return or Answer Your Calls. ...
  • They're not Transparent in Billing and Payment Practices.

What usually happens in a conflict of interest case?

A conflict of interest occurs when an individual's personal interests – family, friendships, financial, or social factors – could compromise his or her judgment, decisions, or actions in the workplace. Government agencies take conflicts of interest so seriously that they are regulated.

Does it look bad if your lawyer withdraws from your case?

Lawyers withdraw from cases all the time, and it usually does not impact the judge's perception of the client unless the client has had multiple changes in legal counsel with attorneys that have a good reputation with the court.

Why would a lawyer have a conflict of interest?

This type of conflict most often occurs when a lawyer enters into a business transaction with the client after the formation of the attorney-client relationship. Some examples include purchasing property from the client at a below-market rate and drafting a will where the lawyer is a beneficiary.

What is the difference between dispute and conflict in law?

As a result, disputes are often short-term disagreements. A conflict usually refers to a disagreement or argument that is longer term. For example, there is more than one issue that could be seen as unresolvable. Timothy Keator, “Dispute or Conflict?

What does conflict letter mean in court?

Notice of Conflict means the written notice, which may be in a letter or electronic mail form, provided by one party to another party notifying the receiving party that the sending party is initiating the Dispute Resolution Procedure.

What does a conflicts attorney do?

In the second form, conflict attorneys help identify and resolve conflicts of interest for other lawyers, especially when it comes to hiring new personnel for the firm. These conflict attorneys often help implement and maintain ethical walls, create a database of potential conflicts, and document any client waivers.

How long does a settlement check take to clear?

The process for handling the financial responsibilities associated with a legal settlement check can take anywhere from one week to six weeks. After accounting for fees and liens, you should receive the balance of the value of your settlement check.

When performing a conflicts check for your supervising attorney, you find that the attorney has a conflict of interest regarding a new client. What happens now?

Final answer: When a conflict of interest arises, the attorney must inform the client, who may then choose to sign a waiver to proceed. If the conflict is significant, the attorney may need to withdraw from the case. Understanding the implications of the conflict is vital for ethical representation.

Why do lawyers want to settle out of court?

Settlements are generally faster, less costly, ensure privacy, and are less stressful compared to trials. Trials may lead to higher compensation and public accountability for the defendant but involve uncertainties and higher costs.

What are some disadvantages in going to court to resolve conflict?

Costly and Time-Consuming

Apart from lengthy proceedings, other things that make litigation costly include court costs and discovery expenses.

What does it mean when a judge has a conflict?

When there is a perceived conflict of interest, a judge can be removed for cause. Under the California Code of Civil Procedure 170.1, a party can try to remove a judge from a case for cause if they believe the judge has a conflict of interest for various reasons.

How do trial courts resolve conflict?

Trial courts are also called "superior courts." In the trial or superior court, a judge, and sometimes a jury, hears testimony and evidence and decides a case by applying the law to the facts of the case. Superior courts handle: All civil cases (family law, probate, juvenile, and other civil cases);

How do you resolve conflict quickly?

Some Ways to Resolve Conflicts
  1. Talk directly. Assuming that there is no threat of physical violence, talk directly to the person with whom you have the problem. ...
  2. Choose a good time. ...
  3. Plan ahead. ...
  4. Don't blame or name-call. ...
  5. Give information. ...
  6. Listen. ...
  7. Show that you are listening. ...
  8. Talk it all through.

What is the cause of conflict?

There are five main causes of conflict: information conflicts, values conflicts, interest conflicts, relationship conflicts, and structural conflicts. Information conflicts arise when people have different or insufficient information, or disagree over what data is relevant.