Academic Year 2026 – Complete ABA Model Rules Study Guide
Conflicts of Interest (12-18%) - correct answer ✔✔ Current client conflicts—multiple clients and
joint representation
Current client conflicts—lawyer's personal interest or duties
Former client conflicts
Prospective client conflicts
Imputed conflicts
Acquiring an interest in litigation
Business transactions with clients
Third-party compensation and influence
Lawyers currently or formerly in government service
Former judge, arbitrator, mediator, or other third-party neutral
MR 1.7 - correct answer ✔✔ Conflict of Interest: Current Clients
MR 1.7 - Conflict of Interest: Current Clients
(In general) - correct answer ✔✔ Lawyer's must act for the sole benefit of the client, free of
compromising influences and loyalties. Absent of informed consent, a lawyer must not
represent the client when a conflict of interest exists,
Concurrent COI - correct answer ✔✔ MR 1.7 (a)(1)-(2)
Question
When does a concurrent COI exist? - correct answer ✔✔ 1. The representation of one client is
directly adverse to another client
,2. There is a significant risk that the representation of one client will be materially limited by the
lawyer's own interest or lawyer's responsibility to:
-other client
-former client
-third person.
Question
Client C asked Atty A to defend her in a vehicular manslaughter case in which C is charged with
killing victim V while drunk driving. Unbeknownst to C, V was Atty A's college roommate, and
they remained best friends until V's death. Does a concurrent COI exists? - correct answer ✔✔
Yes. There is a significant risk that Atty A's effort on Client C's behalf would be materially limited
by Atty A's personal grief at the loss of his bestie. Atty A shouldn't take on the case.
Question
Bet and Don have been married for 10 yrs. Both of them are lawyers but they work in different
law firms. Bet currently represents Gravity Corp. in a lawsuit against Dropsy, Inc., a client of
Don's partner, Roger. In deciding whether Roger can represent Dropsy, Inc., which of the
following is the best answer?
A. Roger would be subject to discipline b/c if Don could not represent Dropsy, Inc. neither can
Roger.
B. Roger would be subject to discipline, b/c his representation of Dropsy, Inc. is materially
limited by his acquaintance w/ Bet & Don.
C. Roger wouldn't be subject to discipline.
D. Roger would not be subject to discipline as long as Don does not share in the fee. - correct
answer ✔✔ C. Roger wouldn't be subject to discipline.
The personal nature of Bet & Don's marriage is not imputed to other lawyers at the firm.
MR 1.7 analysis for concurrent conflicts applies to attys who are married to e/o and who are on
opposite sides of the same case. Inadvertent disclosure of confidential information is a concern
(voice mail-answering machine) The related counsel must disclose the existence and the
implications of the relationship between them, before each lawyer agrees to the
representation. Both clients should consent before the lawyer-spouses represent them.
, Question
For 6 yrs, Lawyer L has represented AB Corp, the largest employer in the town where its only
manufacturing facility is located. 3 yrs ago, AB's president, Clint, asked Lawyer L to serve a 4-yr
term on AB's board of directors. A recent board discussion about a pending patent application
has made it clear to Lawyer L that Clint & the other board members didn't understand whether
she was giving legal advice as counsel to the corporation or business advice as a board member.
What is the correct advice Lawyer L's senior partner should offer?
A. Her only financial choice is to resign as a board member, but remain as lawyer for AB Corp.
B. If her independent professional judgment is compromised in the dual capacity, she may
resign either as lawyer for AB Corp or as a board member.
C. She must resign as a board member and as the lawyer for AB Corp.
D. She may remain as a board member and as lawyer for AB Corp, as lo - correct answer ✔✔ B.
If her independent professional judgment is compromised in the dual capacity, she may resign
either as lawyer for AB Corp or as a board member.
Lawyer L must determine whether the responsibilities of the 2 roles conflict, and she shouldn't
serve in this dual capacity if there's a material risk that the dual role will compromise her
independent professional judgment. If her obligations in the dual role are materially adverse to
e/o, she must withdraw from representation, unless her corp client consents. In the absence of
the corp client's consent, she shouldn't continue to serve in the dual capacity & should resign
the position either as the corp's lawyer or as a member of the corporate board.
Rule 1.7, Comment 35.
Question
Lawyer L was surprised when her biggest family law competitors, Lawyer S, retained her about
an allegation that he had commingled some of his client escrow accounts w/ his private funds.
At the time, Lawyer L & Lawyer S have 6 cases where they are counsel of record on opposite
sides of the case. In which of the following situations is Lawyer L not subject to discipline?
A. She attacks Lawyer S's credibility in the divorce cases where he's counsel of record & she is
counsel for the adversary.
B. She tempers her advocacy on behalf of her divorce client in the cases w/ Lawyer S so as not
to alienate Lawyer S.