Conflicts of interest continue to present some of the most nuanced and consequential issues in legal ethics. This CLE program delivers a current analysis of how attorneys can identify, evaluate, and mitigate conflicts in a wide range of practice settings. Through a review of contemporary developments, participants will examine critical topics such as assessing obligations to former clients, securing and recording effective informed consent, and addressing conflict risks arising from corporate families and related entities.

The session will also survey recent judicial decisions and ethics authorities that illuminate how conflict rules are interpreted in practice, emphasizing strategies to prevent inadvertent violations and protect both clients and practitioners. Although the Model Rules serve as a foundational reference, states differ markedly in their approach to conflict regulation and enforcement. This course equips attorneys with a clear understanding of these jurisdictional distinctions, provides practical illustrations of common pitfalls, and reinforces essential principles for maintaining compliance with professional responsibility requirements.