“Private Client Advocate” Conflict

An Arizona attorney was admonished by the Presiding Disciplinary Judge for a rather obvious conflict of interest.

The attorney represented a client in a domestic violence matter.

He suggested to the client that the victim also retain him in the matter as her  “private crime advocate.” She agreed and executed a conflicts waiver.

The conflict came to light after the prosecutor interviewed the wife and learned that she was paying the attorney’s fee and had retained him as her counsel.

The prosecutor filed a conflicts notice. The attorney objected at first but then withdrew.

The trial court concluded that the conflict was not waivable.

The attorney was placed on probation with CLE.

Among the requirements is to view the Ten Deadly Sins of Conflicts DVD. (Mike Frisch)