Conflict of Interest

Definition

A situation where an attorney's personal interests, other clients, or family relationships create a tension with representing their current client fairly and independently—grounds for disqualification if disclosed properly.

Example Usage

The attorney was disqualified for a conflict of interest after it emerged she was married to the opposing counsel's partner.

Origin

Modern legal terminology, formalized in ethics rules throughout the 20th century

Fun Fact

Attorneys must disclose conflicts and obtain 'informed consent' from clients, which technically doesn't make the conflict disappear but does make it their problem

Source: Legal ethics and professional responsibility terminology

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