Rule 1.7 (Conflict of Interest)

Rule 1.7 addresses conflicts of interest that may arise when a lawyer’s personal or other professional interests could influence their ability to represent a client impartially. It requires lawyers to avoid situations where their own interests might compromise their loyalty or judgment. If a potential conflict exists, the lawyer must disclose it to the client and obtain informed consent before proceeding. The goal is to ensure that the lawyer’s commitment to the client’s best interests remains transparent and unaffected by other interests, maintaining trust and integrity in the legal relationship.