If You Leave Me Now

Attorney Rafael is a partner at ABC law firm and lead counsel in a substantial case in which he represents a corporate client. Several months after accepting the engagement, he realizes that he has a conflict based a client he represented two years earlier at a different law firm before he came to ABC. ABC wants to keep[KD1] the client and continue the representation by screening Rafael from this matter and assigning it to another ABC attorney.

One possible replacement is Adele, another partner who appeared in the case when it was filed and who has been heavily involved since then. Adele would be ABC’s first choice because she is familiar with the case and the client and has litigated against opposing counsel in previous cases. However, the firm is concerned that because Adele has been working closely with Rafael to this point means that she is conflicted out as well.

Another possible replacement is Brian, who has limited involvement in the case. He did some research and wrote an extensive legal memo on the main legal issues in the case. Brian has not had any direct contact with Rafael or the courtroom activity.

Finally, Cassie has not been involved in the case at all to this point but has the experience and expertise to take over the representation and could quickly get up to speed.