When it comes to legal representation, many people turn to friends and family for advice and referrals. It is not uncommon for a lawyer to be asked to represent a family member, either as a favor or as a way to save on legal fees. But is it ethical for a lawyer to represent a family member, and are there any potential risks or drawbacks to consider?
Ethical rules require lawyers to avoid conflicts of interest when representing clients. A conflict arises when a lawyer represents a client whose interests conflict with another client's, or when the lawyer's responsibilities to one client may limit representation of another.
Representing a family member may create a conflict of interest for a lawyer, potentially affecting their objectivity and impartiality.
Representing a family member may raise issues of divided loyalties for lawyers, who have a duty to be loyal to their clients but may also feel a sense of loyalty to the family. This can conflict with the lawyer's duty to their client.