Do You Suspect Your Lawyer Has a Conflict of Interest?

As the old saying goes, "no man can serve two masters." Lawyers must adhere to the highest standards of professional conduct, including avoiding conflicts of interest. For example, lawyers may not represent both parties in the same case. Because attorneys often hear confidential information from clients, they must be especially careful not to reveal it to others or use that information against you.

Conflicts of interest often arise from real estate transaction or business dealings. For example, if an attorney were part owner of a lot owned by a nonprofit corporation, he needs to make full disclosure before you purchase the property.

If you are consulting with an attorney about a divorce matter, you would share private information with the attorney about your relationship with your spouse, life at home and personal finances. Even if you do not hire that attorney, he or she cannot later on represent your spouse, as that would be conflict of interest.

Conflict of interest cases are very complex, and claims are often difficult to prove. If you believe ongoing litigation has been impacted by an attorney's conflict of interest,contact Allison & Mosby-Scott in Bloomington, Illinois. Attorney William Allison has more than 30 years of experience in legal malpractice and conflict of interest claims. If this situation has led to financial losses, Allison & Mosby-Scott can seek damages.

Duty of Loyalty
An attorney is expected to be loyal to his or her clients. If you are involved in litigation, he or she is obligated to fully disclose any conflict of interest before and while they are representing you. Lawyers often use special software to identify potential conflicts of interest before they accept your case.

It may be legal for an attorney to "quit" a client; however, the attorney must not do so in order to take on a client on the other side of your case.

Conflict of interest issues can be avoided when the lawyer makes complete disclosure of financial ties and other interests and the client agrees.

Winning a Legal Malpractice Suit
In order to win the suit, we need to prove that your attorney's misconduct caused harm (causation) and/or financial losses. Causation is the most difficult to prove, because we need to prove that you would have won the case if it hadn't been for your attorney's actions, and that you would have won money damages, if applicable to your case.

The law offices of Allison & Mosby-Scott accept conflict of interest cases on contingency. You pay attorney fees — normally 33 1/3% of the funds won - only when attorney William Allison wins the legal malpractice case for you. We also offer the option of paying by the hour. Contact our Bloomington offices to schedule a consultation with attorney Allison.

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210 1/2 N. Williamsburg Dr
Bloomington IL 61704
Phone: 309-662-5084
Fax: 309-662-2994
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