What is the imputed firm disqualification rule?

The imputed firm disqualification rule operates on the principle that a conflict of interest affecting one attorney within a firm can extend to the entire firm. This means that if one attorney has a conflict, that conflict is assumed to be shared by all attorneys in the firm, regardless of whether the other attorneys in the firm have any personal conflict themselves.

This rule serves to maintain the integrity of the attorney-client relationship. It prevents situations where a client might unwittingly receive conflicting representation from different attorneys within the same firm due to one attorney’s prior representation or relationships that present a conflict of interest.

In this context, option B accurately reflects the understanding of the rule, emphasizing that the firm operates as a collective entity concerning conflicts of interest. The presence of a conflict for one attorney necessitates that all attorneys in the firm are considered to have that conflict, and consequently, they may be disqualified from representing clients involved in related matters. This reinforces the ethical obligation lawyers have to avoid conflicts and protect client interests, ensuring that firms are diligent in managing and identifying any potential conflicts that might arise.