{"id":12315,"date":"2024-10-16T15:28:11","date_gmt":"2024-10-16T14:28:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clio.com\/uk\/?p=12315"},"modified":"2025-11-12T15:06:41","modified_gmt":"2025-11-12T15:06:41","slug":"conflict-check-how-to","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.clio.com\/uk\/blog\/conflict-check-how-to\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Perform a Conflict Check: A Step-by-Step Guide for Law Firms"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">If one thing will get a solicitor into trouble, it&#8217;s acting for two or more clients in a conflict of interest situation. A conflict of interest check is essential to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.clio.com\/uk\/blog\/client-intake-law-firms\/\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">client onboarding process<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. But what is a conflict of interest?<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"o-featured-snippet o-theme--bone is-faq-snippet-question\">\n\t<div class=\"c-featured-snippet__inner\" itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n\t\t<h3>\n\t\t\t<span itemprop=\"name\">\n\t\t\t\tWhat is a Conflict of Interest?\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t<div class=\"c-featured-snippet__content\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n\t\t\t<p  itemprop=\"text\">A conflict of interest in law occurs when a lawyer's duties to one client are compromised by obligations to another client, a third party, or personal interests, potentially affecting the lawyer's ability to act impartially and in the best interests of the client.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"o-featured-snippet o-theme--bone is-faq-snippet-question\">\n\t<div class=\"c-featured-snippet__inner\" itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n\t\t<h3>\n\t\t\t<span itemprop=\"name\">\n\t\t\t\tWhat is a Conflict Check?\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t<div class=\"c-featured-snippet__content\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n\t\t\t<p  itemprop=\"text\">A conflict check is a process used by law firms to identify potential conflicts of interest before taking on a new client or case. It involves reviewing existing clients, cases, and relationships to ensure that representing a new client won't compromise the firm's ability to act impartially or create legal or ethical issues.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">What is a conflict of interest?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">A general definition of a conflict of interest concerning a law firm is:<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">When a solicitor&#8217;s duty to act in their client&#8217;s best interest is compromised or appears compromised due to their personal interests, relationships, or duties to another client<\/span><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">In simple terms, do not act for more than one client in a transaction or case where their interests might conflict or a conflict of interest exists.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Note: Don&#8217;t risk being &#8220;that lawyer&#8221; caught in conflicts of interest. Leverage Clio Manage, the leading legal practice management software, to effectively manage and track all relevant matters and client information to stay on top of conflicts.\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clio.com\/uk\/schedule-a-demo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Schedule a free Clio demo today<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0and get a personalised tour of how it can help keep your firm compliant and organised.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n<div\n\tclass=\"o-image l-image aligncenter wp-image-12281 size-full \"\n\t\tstyle=\"max-width: 46.25rem;  width: 740px;\"\n\t\t>\n\t<div\n\t\tclass=\"o-image__wrap l-image__wrap js-lazy-image-wrapper\"\n\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"padding-top:86.7567567568%;\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t<noscript>\n\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\ttitle=\"A photo of a lawyer working at a table using Excel for her law firm\"\n\t\t\t\t\talt=\"A&#x20;photo&#x20;of&#x20;a&#x20;lawyer&#x20;working&#x20;at&#x20;a&#x20;table&#x20;using&#x20;Excel&#x20;for&#x20;her&#x20;law&#x20;firm\"\n\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.clio.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/10\/Screenshot-2024-10-04-at-12.04.51.png\"\n\t\t\t\t\twidth=\"740\"\n\t\t\t\t\theight=\"642\"\n\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t<\/noscript>\n\t\t\t\t<picture>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\ttitle=\"A photo of a lawyer working at a table using Excel for her law firm\"\n\t\t\t\talt=\"A&#x20;photo&#x20;of&#x20;a&#x20;lawyer&#x20;working&#x20;at&#x20;a&#x20;table&#x20;using&#x20;Excel&#x20;for&#x20;her&#x20;law&#x20;firm\"\n\t\t\t\twidth=\"740\"\n\t\t\t\theight=\"642\"\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-src=\"https:\/\/www.clio.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/10\/Screenshot-2024-10-04-at-12.04.51.png\"\n\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP\/\/\/wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"is-lazy js-lazy-image\"\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t<\/picture>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\n<h3><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Head off potential conflict of interest problems at the pass<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Conduct a conflict check at the initial data capture point when taking on new clients or matters. Ensure you identify all entities involved to maintain transparency and adhere to best practices. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.clio.com\/uk\/manage\/\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Legal Client Management Software<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> makes this process easy, allowing you to quickly search your client and contact database for any conflicts of interest. By doing this, you will avoid getting into difficulties in the first place. The <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sra.org.uk\/solicitors\/guidance\/conflicts-interest\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">SRA Code of Conduct<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> has a specific section on conflict of interest, including some examples.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Conflicts of interest in business and healthcare settings<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Conflicts can occur in any business setting, often involving competing interests that may affect decision-making. For example, there can always be tension and potential conflicts of interest between the shareholders and directors of private and public limited companies. These conflicts can arise around remuneration packages for the company executives against the returns to the shareholders by way of dividends. UK Research and Innovation has provided further <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ukri.org\/who-we-are\/how-we-are-governed\/conflicts-of-interests\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">examples<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> of conflict of interest in business.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n<div\n\tclass=\"o-image l-image aligncenter wp-image-12144 size-full \"\n\t\tstyle=\"max-width: 46.75rem;  width: 748px;\"\n\t\t>\n\t<div\n\t\tclass=\"o-image__wrap l-image__wrap js-lazy-image-wrapper\"\n\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"padding-top:66.4438502674%;\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t<noscript>\n\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\ttitle=\"paralegal interview questions\"\n\t\t\t\t\talt=\"Paralegal&#x20;interview&#x20;questions&#x20;on&#x20;a&#x20;clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.clio.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/09\/Screenshot-2024-09-09-at-14.32.11.png\"\n\t\t\t\t\twidth=\"748\"\n\t\t\t\t\theight=\"497\"\n\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t<\/noscript>\n\t\t\t\t<picture>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\ttitle=\"paralegal interview questions\"\n\t\t\t\talt=\"Paralegal&#x20;interview&#x20;questions&#x20;on&#x20;a&#x20;clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\twidth=\"748\"\n\t\t\t\theight=\"497\"\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-src=\"https:\/\/www.clio.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/09\/Screenshot-2024-09-09-at-14.32.11.png\"\n\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP\/\/\/wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"is-lazy js-lazy-image\"\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t<\/picture>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\n<h2><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Types of conflict of interest<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Conflicts of interest can fall into different categories, including financial, non-financial and personal interest conflicts.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Financial conflicts and financial gain<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Having a business deal<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> with a client, owning part of their business, or holding a financial interest that goes against the client&#8217;s best interests.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Giving<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> a client financial help during a legal case or covering costs for clients who can&#8217;t afford them.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Negotiating settlements or plea deals for several clients at once, which could cause conflicts.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Allowing someone else to pay the client&#8217;s legal fees unless the client agrees, the lawyer stays impartial and protects the client&#8217;s privacy.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Recommending<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> financial products to clients and receiving hidden commissions, which creates a conflict between the lawyer&#8217;s financial gain and the client&#8217;s best interests.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Non-financial conflicts<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Representing two clients with conflicting interests (e.g. co-defendants in a criminal case who might try to incriminate each other).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Taking on a client when you cannot fully represent them due to obligations to another current, former, or third party, or if doing so would create a professional conflict.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Representing the opposing party in the same matter after ceasing to act for a client.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Acting for someone when your previous firm represented the other side, and you have confidential knowledge about the case.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Using information obtained from a client to cause harm to that client.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Entering an agreement that limits your future professional responsibility or liability for your services.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Recognising a conflict when personal relationships or duties to another client may affect your professional judgement.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Personal interest conflicts<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Soliciting a gift, including one in a will, from a client.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Securing the movie or book rights to a client&#8217;s story before the case ends and fees are fully paid.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Settling a professional misconduct or service claim with someone who doesn&#8217;t have a lawyer unless they&#8217;re given written advice and the chance to seek separate legal representation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Having financial connections with a client that could affect your professional judgement and decisions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n<div\n\tclass=\"o-image l-image aligncenter wp-image-12145 size-full \"\n\t\tstyle=\"max-width: 46.625rem;  width: 746px;\"\n\t\t>\n\t<div\n\t\tclass=\"o-image__wrap l-image__wrap js-lazy-image-wrapper\"\n\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"padding-top:66.7560321716%;\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t<noscript>\n\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\ttitle=\"Paralegal interview questions\"\n\t\t\t\t\talt=\"A&#x20;paralegal&#x20;preparing&#x20;for&#x20;her&#x20;interview\"\n\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.clio.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/09\/Screenshot-2024-09-09-at-14.34.03.png\"\n\t\t\t\t\twidth=\"746\"\n\t\t\t\t\theight=\"498\"\n\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t<\/noscript>\n\t\t\t\t<picture>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\ttitle=\"Paralegal interview questions\"\n\t\t\t\talt=\"A&#x20;paralegal&#x20;preparing&#x20;for&#x20;her&#x20;interview\"\n\t\t\t\twidth=\"746\"\n\t\t\t\theight=\"498\"\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-src=\"https:\/\/www.clio.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/09\/Screenshot-2024-09-09-at-14.34.03.png\"\n\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP\/\/\/wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"is-lazy js-lazy-image\"\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t<\/picture>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\n<h3><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Identifying and disclosing conflicts of interest<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">It is always best to discover a conflict or potential conflict of interest early in a case. Make such disclosures promptly to ensure transparency and maintain credibility. Much will also depend on the type of case. Do not assume there will be no conflict of interest before checking.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Identifying a conflict of interest<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">When you open a new client record or if you are asked to act for an existing client, identify the other parties or entities who are or are likely to be involved. If you use a Practice or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.clio.com\/uk\/features\/case-management\/\">Case Management system<\/a>, like <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clio.com\/uk\/manage\/?cta=top-nav-uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Clio Manage<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, there is a built-in search function at the top of the practice management suite. If you&#8217;ve entered the necessary details in the client and matter fields and added related contacts for opposing and other parties, a few characters in the search should return relevant results.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">You must also ask yourself if you or your firm have any potential interest in the case. You will, of course, have an interest in generating fees. Other than that, is there any other interest you might have that could conflict with the client&#8217;s interest?<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Disclosing a conflict of interest<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">As soon as you discover a conflict or potential conflict when taking on a new client, if that client&#8217;s interests conflict with that of an existing client, graciously decline to act for the new client. Before you immediately decline to act, you should find out if your existing clients need you to represent their interests in the same case. If they do, explain to the potential new client why you cannot represent them because you have an existing client of the firm whose interest will conflict with their interest.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">You should also explain that it is essential that, as a client of your firm, they receive the best independent legal advice available, and that might be compromised because you are already acting for a client in this matter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">This is a simple example of a conflict arising when a new client seeks to engage your services. There are many other instances where a conflict of interest arises after you have taken the client on board.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Ethical and legal considerations of a perceived conflict of interest<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">From an ethical point of view, solicitors are obligated to represent their clients to the best of their ability, especially when a conflict of interest exists. You cannot do that if you are also acting for someone else in the same case whose interests do not match. Should you fail to disclose, either client could challenge you and recommend that one or both clients seek separate representation. This can lead to complaints to your professional body and the regulators who might sanction you for acting in a conflict of interest situation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">You must also consider what might happen if one client suffers losses when a potential conflict of interest manifests. Irrespective of the cause, you and your law firm may be subject to a possible claim from the client on the losing side!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Managing and mitigating conflicts of interest<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>You need a clear strategy to manage conflicts of interest, including handling competing interests in different cases. Start by accurately recording data in your practice management system, which can compare information and alert you to potential conflicts.<\/p>\n<p>Once your strategy is set, create organisational policies to support it. Properly recording client data makes it easier to identify and manage conflicts. Your data input policy should specify what information to include in your system.<\/p>\n<p>Timing is crucial\u2014enter new leads or clients early and run conflict checks right away. Regularly update client data and re-run checks as needed, such as after name changes, which might reveal conflicts.<\/p>\n<p>Using a practice management system like Clio helps track all relevant matters and client information, ensuring thorough conflict checks. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.clio.com\/uk\/signup\/\">Try Clio for free today.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>If you find a conflict, fully disclose it to the client and follow professional conduct rules when declining or withdrawing representation. Regular staff training and compliance checks are also key to reducing conflict risks.<\/p>\n\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n<div\n\tclass=\"o-image l-image aligncenter wp-image-12009 size-full \"\n\t\tstyle=\"max-width: 45.625rem;  width: 730px;\"\n\t\t>\n\t<div\n\t\tclass=\"o-image__wrap l-image__wrap js-lazy-image-wrapper\"\n\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"padding-top:66.7123287671%;\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t<noscript>\n\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\ttitle=\"Person studying for the law exam at a table\"\n\t\t\t\t\talt=\"Person&#x20;studying&#x20;for&#x20;the&#x20;law&#x20;exam&#x20;at&#x20;a&#x20;table\"\n\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.clio.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-12-at-11.50.00.png\"\n\t\t\t\t\twidth=\"730\"\n\t\t\t\t\theight=\"487\"\n\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t<\/noscript>\n\t\t\t\t<picture>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\ttitle=\"Person studying for the law exam at a table\"\n\t\t\t\talt=\"Person&#x20;studying&#x20;for&#x20;the&#x20;law&#x20;exam&#x20;at&#x20;a&#x20;table\"\n\t\t\t\twidth=\"730\"\n\t\t\t\theight=\"487\"\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-src=\"https:\/\/www.clio.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2024-08-12-at-11.50.00.png\"\n\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP\/\/\/wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"is-lazy js-lazy-image\"\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t<\/picture>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\n<h2><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Best practices for preventing conflicts of Interest<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The best practice for preventing a conflict of interest is a three-stage process:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Conduct conflict of interest checking<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">: Use<\/span> an effective <a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clio.com\/uk\/manage\/?cta=top-nav-uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">practice management system<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> to record and manage all client information. Conduct conflict of interest checking and make such disclosures promptly to maintain transparency. Deal immediately with any potential conflict of interest issues that are flagged up.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Establish effective policies and procedures and effective training and awareness processes:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Include training in new staff induction and regularly run refresher conflict of interest training.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Conduct reviews, audits, and monitor activity. This<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> will help ensure compliance with the policy and identify solicitors, fee earners, and support staff who need refresher training.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Creating a conflict check process at your law firm<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The starting point for a law firm conflict check is to maintain a database of all relevant contacts. This means former clients, opposing parties, etc. Here\u2019s a list of things you should track for accurate conflict checking:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Full legal name;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Maiden and married names;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nickname(s);<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Date of birth;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Address;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Phone;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For businesses, you\u2019ll want to include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Business name;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Officers and directors;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Partners;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Trade names;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Place of incorporation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Not all of this information will change over time. If you come across a close match, at least you can cross-reference birth dates, maiden names, etc. that require further investigation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A conflict of interest check should be done before a consult is scheduled. If you conduct a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">lot of phone consults<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, whomever at your law firm first answers the phone should run the above information through your database. You\u2019ll want to check the potential client and opposing party for close matches, misspellings (John, Jon, Johnathan, Jonathan), and former names. Once the check is complete, record the results of the check, including the date and time the check was done.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If a conflict is flagged, or even suspected, the person answering the phone can schedule a follow-up call with the attorney to discuss the matter. Indicate that the firm has time to investigate (and to evaluate whether the case is worth dealing with conflict waivers).<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How long does a conflict check take?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The time it takes to properly conduct a thorough conflict check varies depending on a number of factors such as the complexity and comprehensiveness of your law firm\u2019s database and the specific conflict-checking system you use. Using a manual process, a conflict check could take hours. With the help of tools and technology, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">however, conflict checks can be completed in minutes or even seconds (more on this later).<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Using technology to help with law firm conflict checks<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">T<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">technology can help you maintain a database of contacts and conduct a solicitor conflict check. Here are a few tools that can help with the conflict-checking process.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Spreadsheets<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The most common method, I\u2019d suspect, and the one a few firms I\u2019ve worked with use is an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.clio.com\/uk\/blog\/excel-lawyers\/\">Excel spreadsheet<\/a> filled with contacts. Things such as name, address, phone, date of birth, relationship to the firm, former names, etc. are recorded. Do a simple \u201cCTRL+F\u201d or \u201cCMD+F\u201d and start typing in variants of names, nicknames, etc. Make a note in the file or intake notes that a conflict check was run, who ran it, and what date and time it was completed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The biggest downside of this is that Excel can bog down hard when you have a few solicitors with hundreds of former clients, and there\u2019s tons of room for human error.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Practice management solutions<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For <\/span><a title=\"Clio Manage\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clio.com\/uk\/manage\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Clio Manage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> customers, there is a built-in search function at the top of the practice management suite. So long as you have entered the relevant information into the client and matter fields, and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">created related contacts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> for opposing and other parties, searches of just a few characters should pull up relevant results. View the step-by-step process of using Clio to run conflict checks <a href=\"https:\/\/help.clio.com\/hc\/en-150\/articles\/9290347515291-Global-Search#:~:text=Filter%20by%20keywords-,Conflict%20of%20interest%20checks,-Perform%20global%20search\">here<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Also, if you\u2019re on <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Clio\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.clio.com\/uk\/pricing\/\">Premium and Suite plans<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, you\u2019ll be able to search for text within documents and their meta descriptions, adding extra peace of mind.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Conflict check software<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You can also use tech tools that are specifically designed to make the conflict-check process faster, easier, and more accurate.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>How can conflict check software help you save time?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Legal conflict check software automates the process of cross-referencing clients and matter details against your database so that your firm can then easily address any potential areas of conflict that are detected. By automatically taking care of this time-consuming part of the process and helping to identify possible conflicts of interest, conflict check software speeds up the overall process while reducing the chance of manual error.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Consequences of unresolved conflicts of interest<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">There may be legal, professional and financial consequences for solicitors acting in a possible conflict of interest situation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Legal consequences can result in the client raising proceedings against the solicitor and the law firm losses incurred due to acting in a conflict of interest situation. A very public conflict of interest case <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.scottishlegal.com\/articles\/outer-house-dismisses-150-million-fraudulent-conspiracy-action-by-shareholder-whose-company-folded-after-sale\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">cost a Scottish law firm \u00a319m to settle<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. The solicitor representing the Pursuer (Plaintiff) also advised the solicitors acting for the company who had entered into an investment and share purchase agreement with the Pursuer and his company. The Pursuer successfully settled the conflict of interest claim out of court in 2018.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Solicitors can also<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawsociety.org.uk\/topics\/regulation\/solicitor-suspended-for-inept-failure-to-prevent-fraud\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> find themselves before the Solicitors Discipline Tribunal<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> for acting in a conflict of interest situation. One such case resulted in the solicitor having conditions imposed should he return to practice. These included prohibitions against:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">being an owner or partner in a law firm<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">having a compliance role<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">holding client money<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">being a signatory on any client account<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">working as a solicitor other than in employment approved by the SRA<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The solicitor was also fined \u00a312,000.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">In addition to legal, professional, and financial jeopardy, you can also cause reputational damage to the solicitor and the law firm. Few clients wish to instruct a solicitor when they&#8217;ve been found wanting, especially in a conflict of interest situation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Final thoughts on conflict of interest<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Conflicts of interest can arise in various settings and can have significant consequences. It is essential to identify and manage potential conflicts of interest to maintain ethical standards, prevent legal liability, and ensure that all parties involved make decisions in the best interests. By understanding the different types of conflicts of interest and how they can arise, individuals and organisations can take proactive steps to prevent and manage them. This includes disclosing potential conflicts, establishing robust policies and procedures for managing conflicts, and ensuring that decisions are made with integrity and transparency. Managing conflicts of interest is crucial for maintaining trust and credibility in personal and professional relationships.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Law firm conflict checking comes down to one thing<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">At the heart of it, law firm conflict-checking is about consistency. Whether you use a dedicated tool, spreadsheet, or even binders, make sure to update your database regularly. Be thorough with your searches, and keep a record of any conflict checking you do for each case. Your practice\u2014and your clients\u2014will thank you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>And of course, don&#8217;t hesitate to make it easier on yourself by putting everything into a cloud-based legal practice management solution like Clio. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.clio.com\/uk\/schedule-a-demo\/\">Book a demo today to see it in action.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn what a conflict check is, how to implement a conflict check process and prevent conflicts of interest at your law firm.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":204,"featured_media":12316,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"coauthors":[549,448],"class_list":["post-12315","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business","content_category-document-management","content_category-firm-performance","content_category-productivity-and-utilisation"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.7 (Yoast SEO v24.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Conflict Check: Creative an Effective Process for Your Law Firm | Clio UK<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn what a conflict check is, how to implement a conflict check process and prevent conflicts of interest at your law firm.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, 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