What must an attorney do if they have a concurrent representation conflict?

When an attorney faces a situation involving concurrent representation conflicts, obtaining informed consent from all affected clients is essential. This requirement stems from the professional responsibility rules that emphasize the importance of client autonomy and the need for transparency in the attorney-client relationship.

Informed consent means that the attorney must provide the clients with comprehensive information regarding the nature and consequences of the conflict of interest, allowing them to make an educated decision about whether to continue with the representation or not. This process ensures that clients are fully aware of any potential risks or limitations on the attorney's ability to represent their interests effectively.

The requirement for informed consent is particularly significant because it aims to protect the integrity of the attorney-client relationship and maintain trust between the attorney and the clients. Clients deserve to know if their attorney's ability to represent them may be compromised due to competing interests, which is why the attorney cannot simply continue the representation without addressing the conflict. Additionally, transferring the case to another attorney or keeping the conflict secret are not viable options as these actions would undermine the ethical standards governing legal practice and jeopardize client interests.