What defines a concurrent conflict of interest?

A concurrent conflict of interest arises when a lawyer represents two or more clients whose interests are directly opposed to one another in the same matter. This definition aligns with the concept that representation of one client can negatively affect the representation of another client due to divergent interests or goals in the legal matter at hand. When a lawyer is directly opposing one client in the representation of another, the potential for divided loyalties and compromised client interests becomes significant, making it essential for the lawyer to address this conflict.

While other scenarios such as a disagreement between clients in future representation, a past relationship affecting current representation, or a lawyer's personal interests are relevant in discussions of conflicts of interest, they do not meet the criteria for concurrent conflicts. These situations can lead to different types of conflicts (such as future or successive conflicts) but do not define a concurrent conflict in the context of simultaneous representation in the same matter. Therefore, the essence of a concurrent conflict of interest is the direct opposition between the interests of clients currently being represented.