In California, conflicts with current clients require:

In California, conflicts with current clients require:

• A. No consent
• B. Oral consent
• C. Informed Written Consent
• D. Court approval

Answer: (C)

When there is a conflict between current clients, California requires informed written consent from each affected client after full disclosure of the conflict and its material risks, as well as reasonable alternatives. The written consent creates a documented record that the client understands the potential for divided loyalties and confidentiality issues and still agrees to the representation. Informed means the lawyer explains the nature of the conflict, the possible impacts on loyalty and decision-making, and the available alternatives (including the option to seek independent counsel). Written means the client signs a formal acknowledgment after this disclosure. Oral consent alone does not satisfy the requirement, and court approval is not the standard remedy for ordinary conflicts in private practice. If the conflict cannot be addressed with informed written consent, the attorney should decline or withdraw.

When there is a conflict between current clients, California requires informed written consent from each affected client after full disclosure of the conflict and its material risks, as well as reasonable alternatives. The written consent creates a documented record that the client understands the potential for divided loyalties and confidentiality issues and still agrees to the representation. Informed means the lawyer explains the nature of the conflict, the possible impacts on loyalty and decision-making, and the available alternatives (including the option to seek independent counsel). Written means the client signs a formal acknowledgment after this disclosure. Oral consent alone does not satisfy the requirement, and court approval is not the standard remedy for ordinary conflicts in private practice. If the conflict cannot be addressed with informed written consent, the attorney should decline or withdraw.