What Does It Mean When Your Solicitor Has a Conflict of Interest?

Our primary priority at SilverOak Solicitors is always to put the requirements of our clients first. A solicitor’s conflict of interest can prevent them from representing you in certain cases. If this occurs, it would be good to plan for what lies ahead.

What Is a Conflict of Interest?

A solicitor has a conflict of interest when their clients’ interests clash and they have to decide between them. The SRA’s Code of Conduct states that solicitors should avoid circumstances where conflicts of interest are very likely or possible.

For instance:

• If a solicitor represents two clients with conflicting interests.
• If a solicitor or their firm has a connection with someone involved in the dispute (like the defendant in a claim for personal injury).

Conflict Checks: Why They Matter

When a new client reaches out to us, we conduct a conflict check. This includes looking over the client’s information and the information of the party they plan to make a claim against.

It’s really important to do conflict checks to maintain ethical standards in legal work. They make sure that legal professionals stay neutral and uphold their promises to clients, all while being fair about it.

Examples of Conflicts of Interest in Personal Injury Claims

As a personal injury claim progresses, many sorts of conflict of interest may arise. A few common examples are these:

• If both the driver and the passenger in a road traffic accident want to make claims, it might create some form of a conflict. If the driver finds themselves as the defendant in a case because of disputed liability, the solicitor is unable to represent both individuals.
• Connections with Defendants: If a law firm has a prior connection with the defendant (like a company or individual facing a lawsuit), they cannot represent the claimant to prevent any bias or violation of trust.

What Happens If There Is a Conflict?

Legally, if your legal representative finds a conflict of interest, they have to stop working for you. This could happen at the beginning of your case or as it goes along.

If this happens, your solicitor would advise you to seek representation from a different firm. Though you are free to select which company you want to direct, they can suggest moving your case file to another lawyer.

How SilverOak Solicitors Can Help

If you find out your solicitor is no longer able to represent you owing to a conflict of interest, SilverOak Solicitors is here to help. Knowing more about your situation will help us to determine how to best assist you and ensure your case receives the required attention.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact our helpful experts at 020 8578 7778, who will be more than happy to assist you throughout the process. SilverOak Solicitors is committed to giving you the legal assistance you merit regardless of the circumstances.