Rule 1.7 - Conflict of Interest: General Rule(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), a lawyer shall not represent a client if the representation involves a concurrent conflict of interest. A concurrent conflict of interest exists if: (1) the representation of one client will be directly adverse to another client; or(2) there is a significant risk that the representation of one or more clients will be materially limited by the lawyer's responsibilities to another client, a former client, or a third person or by a personal interest of the lawyer.(b) Notwithstanding the existence of a concurrent conflict of interest under paragraph (a), a lawyer may represent a client if:(1) each affected client gives informed consent, confirmed in writing, after full disclosure and consultation, provided, however, that a public entity cannot consent to any such representation. When the lawyer represents multiple clients in a single matter, the consultation shall include an explanation of the common representation and the advantages and risks involved;(2) the lawyer reasonably believes that the lawyer will be able to provide competent and diligent representation to each affected client;(3) the representation is not prohibited by law; and(4) the representation does not involve the assertion of a claim by one client against another client represented by the lawyer in the same litigation or other proceeding before a tribunal.N.J. Ct. R. app 3 R. R. 1.7
Adopted July 12, 1984 to be effective 9/10/1984; text deleted and new text adopted November 17, 2003 to be effective 1/1/2004.