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ETHICS OPINION 292-1932
ETHICS OPINION 292
NUMBER 292 1932
Question. A is an attorney and is representing B in action against C. C has also commenced an action against B, and A is representing B in this action. Both of these actions are pending in the courts. C conies to A and requests A to represent him in an action against D.
1. In the opinion of the Committee, can A represent C in an action against D without being guilty of professional impropriety, assuming that both B and C have been clients of A for several years and A has cases of B and C pending in the Courts against third parties?
2. In the opinion of the Committee, can A represent B in an action against C without being guilty of professional impropriety?
Answer. In the opinion of the Committee:
1. A cannot, with propriety, represent C in an action against D, while he is also representing B in litigations with C.
2. On the assumption stated in the question, A cannot, with propriety, represent B in an action against C, while he is also representing both B and C in actions against third parties.
This Committee has frequently stated its views on the subject of “conflicting interests. (See answers in Opinions 5, 123, 232, 279.)