The Conflict of Interest Doctrine

Step 1 An attorney and paralegal are not allowed under the Professional Rules of Conduct to work with a client whose interests may be adverse to a past or future client. Keep this in mind as you complete steps 2 and 3. Step 2 Read the following scenario and asnwer the corresponding questions at the end of the case. Your answers should be professional, use legal terms and explain your reasoning clearly. Scenario: The Law Office of Janet Cody and Associates is handling a products liability case for the manufacturer of folding doors used in storage units and other commercial operations. The attorney’s paralegal takes a call from a client looking for representation to assist in the purchase of a business that manufactures hydraulics for folding doors. After checking the paralegal realizes that the business the prospcetive client wants to purchase is owned by the same person as the owner of the folding door manufacturer, in the products liability case the office is currently handling. Would it be a conlfict of interest for the office to accept this new case? Explain your reasoning. Is there any way in which the Law Office of Janet Cody and Associates could take on this new client that would not create a conflict of interest? What must the paralegal do with the information she has gathered?