Client conflicts in criminal matters—when can you act?


Published by a ÀÏ˾»úÎçÒ¹¸£Àû Practice Compliance expert
Practice notes

Client conflicts in criminal matters—when can you act?


Published by a ÀÏ˾»úÎçÒ¹¸£Àû Practice Compliance expert

Practice notes
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There are two types of conflict: own interest conflicts and client conflicts of interest. This Practice Note explains when you can act if there is or may be a conflict of interests between two or more clients in a criminal matter. For the wider regulatory requirements on conflicts of interests, see Practice Notes: Conflicts of interest—law firms and solicitors and Conflicts of interest—systems and controls.

What is a client conflict of interest?

A client conflict of interest arises where your separate duties to act in the best interests of two or more clients conflict in relation to the same matter or a related matter. The SRA simply calls this type of conflict a ‘conflict of interest’.

You must not act in relation to a matter or particular aspect of it if you have a client conflict of interest or a significant risk of such a conflict in relation to that matter or aspect of it, unless you fall within one of two exceptions and meet certain specific conditions.

Conflicts in criminal matters are most

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Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom
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Key definition:
Client conflict definition
What does Client conflict mean?

In conduct, this arises if an individual is acting for two or more clients in the same or related matter, and cannot act in the best interests of each client.

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