When a lawyer represents multiple parties in a case and a conflict arises, what must be assessed?

When a lawyer represents multiple parties and a conflict arises, it is crucial to assess if a potential conflict exists and its implications. This assessment is foundational in ensuring that the lawyer can continue to represent all parties adequately without compromising their ethical duties. Conflicts of interest can lead to situations where a lawyer may not be able to maintain loyalty to each client or may be faced with competing interests that could harm one or more of the clients.

The identification of potential conflicts involves evaluating the relationships between the parties, the nature of the claims involved, and any information that may be privileged or confidential. Understanding the implications of these conflicts is necessary for the lawyer to determine whether informed consent can be obtained from all clients or if the representation must be withdrawn entirely. This careful analysis helps protect the clients' interests and preserves the integrity of the legal profession.

Other choices touch upon various aspects of law practice but do not directly encapsulate the critical first step of recognizing the existence and implications of potential conflicts that guide a lawyer’s ethical responsibilities in multi-party representations.