DESCRIPTION
Drafting Waivers of Conflicts of Interest
A bedrock principle of lawyer ethics is that lawyers owe their clients loyalty, free of conflicts of interest unless those conflicts are waived by a client in writing. Clients are entitled to zealous representation without the lawyer being conflicted by other representations or interests. When a conflict arises, the lawyer is required to decline the representation unless the conflict is waived by the client. But waivers are not always easily accomplished. They must be carefully drafted, particularly when it purports to be of an anticipated conflict, not an existing conflict. This program will provide you with a practical guide to the rules governing conflict waivers, types of waivers, and drafting tips.
- Key provisions of waivers and ensuring there is “informed” consent
- Advance waivers – drafting waivers for anticipated conflicts
- Types of advance waivers – stating subject area, adverse parties, neither or both
- Sources of rules and practical guidance on drafting waivers
- Common mistakes made in drafting waivers
- Consequences of ineffective waivers
Speaker:
William Freivogel is the principal of Freivogel Ethics Consulting and is an independent consultant to law firms on ethics and risk management. He was a trial lawyer for 22 years and has practiced in the areas of legal ethics and lawyer malpractice for more than 25 years. He is chair of the Editorial Board of the ABA/BNA Lawyers’ Manual on Professional Conduct. He maintains the Web site “Freivogel on Conflicts” at www.freivogelonconflicts.com <http://www.freivogelonconflicts.com/> . Mr. Freivogel is a graduate of the University of Illinois (Champaign), where he received his B.S. and LL.B.
Disclaimer: All views or opinions expressed by any presenter during the course of this CLE is that of the presenter alone and not an opinion of the Oklahoma Bar Association, the employers, or affiliates of the presenters unless specifically stated. Additionally, any materials, including the legal research, are the product of the individual contributor, not the Oklahoma Bar Association. The Oklahoma Bar Association makes no warranty, express or implied, relating to the accuracy or content of these materials.