If a conflict of interest arises and informed consent cannot be obtained, what is the appropriate action?

• A. Continue to represent both sides
• B. Disclose to court only
• C. Withdraw from the matter or limit representation
• D. Ask client to sign a waiver

Answer: (C)

When a conflict of interest arises, you must not continue if you cannot obtain informed consent to proceed. The appropriate action is to withdraw from the matter or limit representation to avoid the conflict. Representing conflicting clients or interests would compromise loyalty, confidentiality, and independent judgment, so the ethical course is to step away or narrow your role to prevent the clash.

Continuing to represent both sides would breach those duties. Merely disclosing the conflict to the court doesn’t resolve the personal conflict between clients, and asking the client to sign a waiver isn’t possible if informed consent cannot be obtained. Limiting representation is only viable if the conflict can be effectively separated and managed; if not, withdrawal is required.