I’d like to volunteer, but my firm represents financial institutions, so conflicts of interest seem likely and there’s probably no point in even considering it. Should I consider it?
Yes. In the vast majority of cases, whether a conflict of interest exists and, if so, whether it will prevent you from engaging in a particular representation will require a careful evaluation of the ethics rules in light of the particular facts and circumstances presented. Of course, you are not permitted to represent a client in a litigation matter in which the opposing party is represented by you or another lawyer in your firm. See RPC 1.7(a)(1), (b)(3); RPC 1.10(a). Similar considerations would likely preclude you from representing the pro bono client in negotiating a workout of the loan transaction where the financial institution with adverse interests is being represented by another lawyer in your firm. But other conflicts of interest situations may well be consentable by the clients involved. Many law firms now have ethics counsel or conflicts committees that can assist you in analyzing your particular situation. So, please, don’t dismiss volunteering out of hand. I understand t
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