What steps should an attorney take when encountering a client's undisclosed conflict?

Addressing a client's undisclosed conflict promptly and disclosing it to the client is essential for upholding professional responsibility. When an attorney recognizes a potential conflict of interest, ethical guidelines and rules of professional conduct dictate that the attorney must bring this matter to the client's attention. This ensures transparency and allows the client to make informed decisions regarding their representation.

Promptly disclosing the conflict gives the client the opportunity to evaluate the situation, consider the implications of the conflict, and decide whether they wish to continue the attorney's representation or seek alternative counsel. It also protects the attorney from potential disciplinary actions associated with failing to address conflicts transparently.

Moreover, merely discussing the conflict in vague terms, ignoring it, or reporting it solely to the court would not fulfill the attorney's duty to the client or align with the ethical obligations set forth by professional standards. These actions could compromise the attorney-client relationship and betray the trust necessary for effective legal representation. Thus, addressing conflicts straightforwardly serves to maintain the integrity and ethical standards of legal practice.