Law firms have always been cognizant of the business conflicts that can arise when taking on new work.
Business conflicts can be described as relationships or knowledge which, while not violating professional responsibility rules, can affect a lawyer’s or law firm’s ability to be a zealous advocate for a client
Business conflicts can present as much of a hurdle to taking on new engagements as traditional conflicts of interest, yet the rules outlining business conflicts are undefined and often based on assumptions. Lawyers and administrators armed with accurate data and the proper technology to analyze and communicate potential business conflicts are at a significant advantage.