Avoiding Ethical Conflicts of Interest with Clients

Conflicts of interest jeopardize the delicate balance of power between attorneys and clients. It is crucial to recognize the potential for conflicts of interest and know how to avoid them in order to best serve one’s clients.

As advisors who often interact with clients in heightened emotional settings, attorneys have to learn to navigate intense feelings and keep their independent judgment intact. In this course, attorneys will gain the skills necessary to maintain professionalism and protect the attorney-client relationship.

Attorneys of all levels are encouraged to attend this course to enhance their knowledge of conflicts of interest and how best to avoid them and remain professional.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify different types of conflicts of interest
• Explain how ABA Model Rule of Professional Conduct 1.7 can guide attorneys in determining whether a conflict of interest exists
• Describe how transference and countertransference can negatively affect the attorney-client relationship
• Recognize the appropriate scope of advice an attorney may share with a client