Resolving the conflict of interest issues which inevitably arise is one of the most challenging aspects of law firm practice. If a new engagement for a client is adverse to another client, but totally unrelated to the work for the
other client, do you still need to secure a conflict waiver? If the Firm has not worked for an entity for five years, can you safely take on a new engagement adverse to that entity? Are you safe if there has been a ten year
gap? Why can't you simply secure a waiver from the new client triggering the conflict and not advise the existing client? Why do you need to secure waivers at all? Won't an ethical screen solve all of the
problems? And, do communications with prospective clients raise any conflict issues? Especially if you are not selected for the engagement?
In this program, we will analyze the Rules of Professional Conduct that contain the applicable guidelines on conflicts. We will bring these issues to life by exploring the "top 10" fact patterns triggering conflict
waiver requests. The program will highlight the ethical challenges these situations present and provide concrete ways these conflicts can be analyzed and, in many cases, successfully resolved.
Our presenters will be:
Hope A. Comisky, Partner, Pepper Hamilton
Thomas E. Zemaitis, Partner, Pepper Hamilton
Jessica Kozlov Davis, Professional Responsibility Attorney, Pepper Hamilton
Program is approved for one and a half (1.5) MCLE credits in California, New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey (through reciprocity). Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, and Virginia MCLE credit is currently pending.