Can an attorney represent clients on both sides of a transaction?

An attorney can represent clients on both sides of a transaction only if there is informed consent from both clients. This principle is rooted in the obligation of attorneys to avoid conflicts of interest and to ensure that all parties are fully aware of the implications of having one attorney represent competing interests.

When handling a situation where there may be conflicting interests, the attorney must disclose all relevant information to both clients, allowing them to make an informed decision about their representation. This is essential in maintaining the trust and confidence that clients have in their legal representatives. Without such informed consent, the attorney risks violating professional responsibility rules and may ultimately face disciplinary action or legal malpractice claims.

The other options presented suggest scenarios where representation might be permissible without proper consent or under conditions that compromise the ethical obligations of the attorney, which is not aligned with established professional responsibility standards. Thus, informed consent is a non-negotiable requirement in these circumstances.