OPINION 299
May 1965
CONFLICT OF INTERESTSSUING A CLIENT WHILE REPRESENTING HIM IN ANOTHER CASEIt is unethical for an attorney, while his firm is representing a claimant in a workmens compensation case, to prosecute a suit against such client for personal injuries to another person resulting from the same collision.
Canon 6.
Question
May an attorney prosecute a lawsuit against a defendant for personal injuries to the plaintiff resulting from an automobile collision when such attorneys firm represents said defendant as the claimant in a workmens compensation claim arising from the same collision?
Opinion
No. Although under some circumstances an attorney may sue a client, the facts of this inquiry present a conflict of interests and a clear violation of Canon 6. See Opinion 298 (May 1965) and Opinion 123 (January 1956). (8-0.)