A conflict of interest arises when a lawyer represents clients with opposing interests or has a personal interest that adversely affects their representation of a client. Informed consent from all affected clients is required to address conflicts.
If a client provides false information or lies that affects the representation, the lawyer has a duty to withdraw from the representation if the falsehood undermines the lawyer’s ability to represent the client ethically. The lawyer must also take steps to correct or mitigate the effect of the false information.
Lawyers must ensure that their fees are reasonable and transparent. Providing a written fee agreement is recommended to clearly outline the terms and avoid misunderstandings.
The Kentucky Rules of Professional Conduct are designed to provide ethical guidelines for lawyers, ensuring their conduct maintains the integrity and professionalism of the legal field.
Lawyers are required to maintain client confidentiality at all times, except when disclosure is mandated by law or when necessary to prevent a client from committing a crime that could result in death or substantial bodily harm.
