# R.I. Sup. Ct. art. V, R. 1.7: Rule 1.7. Conflict of interest: Current clients. (a) Except as provided in paragraph

> Rhode Island · Court rules · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_RI_SCTART5_R1_7

## Section

- **Citation:** R.I. Sup. Ct. art. V, R. 1.7
- **Heading:** Rule 1.7. Conflict of interest: Current clients. (a) Except as provided in paragraph
- **Jurisdiction:** Rhode Island
- **Kind:** Court rules
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Rhode Island Court Rules / Supreme Court / Supreme Court Rules Article V - Rules of Professional Conduct / R.I. Sup. Ct. art. V, R. 1.7

## Text

(b), a lawyer shall not represent a client if the representation involves a concurrent
conflict of interest. A concurrent conflict of interest exists if:
(1) the representation of one client will be directly adverse to another client; or
(2) there is a significant risk that the representation of one or more clients will be
materially limited by the lawyer's responsibilities to another client, a former client or
a third person or by a personal interest of the lawyer.
(b) Notwithstanding the existence of a concurrent conflict of interest under
paragraph (a), a lawyer may represent a client if:
(1) the lawyer reasonably believes that the lawyer will be able to provide
competent and diligent representation to each affected client;
(2) the representation is not prohibited by law;

(3) the representation does not involve the assertion of a claim by one client
against another client represented by the lawyer in the same litigation or other
proceeding before a tribunal; and
(4) each affected client gives informed consent, confirmed in writing.

COMMENTARY

General Principles

[1] Loyalty and independent judgment are essential elements in the lawyer's
relationship to a client. Concurrent conflicts of interest can arise from the lawyer's
responsibilities to another client, a former client or a third person or from the lawyer's
own interests. For specific Rules regarding certain concurrent conflicts of interest, see

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_RI_SCTART5_R1_7. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.