Conflict of Interest - Case Study Example

For instance, let us presume that Riordan Manufacturing has a pending petition for the issuance of a patent in a government office having charge of intellectual property and this lawyer-cousin of Dr. Riordan is the head of that intellectual property office which has a judicial or quasi-judicial function over the matter; under this set of circumstances, there can be the possibility of bias or prejudice on the part of that lawyer-cousin. In such an instance, the lawyer-cousin has to inhibit himself from any participation in the intellectual property case.

However, the fact that the lawyer-cousin of Dr. Riordan is a partner of Litteral & Finkel and the latter law firm is the retained outside counsel of Riordan Manufacturing does not constitute any conflict of interest nor does it pose some possibility of bias or prejudice as will be contrary to public interest, public policy or public order. Interestingly, this aspect is even moot and academic because the said lawyer-cousin is already dead. Another possible conflict of interest is in a situation where a strained relation arises between Riordan Manufacturing and Litteral & Finkel. . Riordan is a partner of Litteral & Finkel and the latter law firm is the retained outside counsel of Riordan Manufacturing does not constitute any conflict of interest nor does it pose some possibility of bias or prejudice as will be contrary to public interest, public policy or public order.

Interestingly, this aspect is even moot and academic because the said lawyer-cousin is already dead.Another possible conflict of interest is in a situation where a strained relation arises between Riordan Manufacturing and Litteral & Finkel. To illustrate, assuming that Riordan Manufacturing sustained damage because Litteral & Finkel did not well attend to a certain legal responsibility and the former sued the latter for professional misconduct. In this example, there is conflict of interest on the part of the lawyer-cousin, presuming him to be then still alive.

He has to either resign from the law firm or take a full and absolute leave until the matter between Riordan Manufacturing and Litteral & Finkel is resolved. Please be it noted, however, that the degree of cousin relationship has to be of close consanguinity (by blood) as will cause a doubt in the mind of an ordinarily prudent man. Here is another instance where conflict of interest can be present. Suppose that Riordan Manufacturing has a pending controversy in court with X Company and the latter approaches Litteral & Finkel to represent it (X Company) in the case.

Under this situation, Litteral & Finkel has to refuse accepting the offer for professional engagement because of apparent conflict of interest. (Conflict of Interest. Law Encyclopedia. Answers.com. [internet]) (Conflict of Interest. Rule 4-1.7. Lawyer Regulation. Rules Regulating The Florida Bar. THE FLORIDA BAR. [internet] )ReferencesConflict of