Michael Zhang Discusses Model Rule 1.10 on ABA "Ethics in 10" Podcast

Hinshaw attorney Michael Zhang was recently featured in a recent episode of the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Center for Professional Responsibility “Ethics in 10” podcast. The podcast features 10-minute reviews of specific model rules of Professional Responsibility.

In this episode, Michael and Jenny Mittelman, retired Deputy General Counsel for the State Bar of Georgia, discussed ABA Model Rule 1.10, which focuses on the imputation of conflicts of interest within a law firm. Michael noted that while the potential for a conflict of interest always exists whenever a lawyer enters into a representation, Rule 1.10 addresses actual client conflict of interest scenarios under which every lawyer in a law firm owes a duty of loyalty to all of the firm’s clients.

Jenny and Michael also discussed exceptions to the general rule of imputation, ethical screens, the duty to inform the client about a screen, and the application of the rule in cases where a lawyer moves to a new firm.