Making Sense of Engagement Letters and Conflict Waivers from Outside Counsel

Before undertaking a representation, law firms will generally require their clients to document the engagement.  This normally takes the form of an engagement letter that describes a number of key ethics issues that affect the attorney-client relationship. And when a law firm has numerous clients that may cross paths with each other, the engagement may also be documented with a conflict waiver how the representation can be undertaken consistent with the rules of professional responsibility. This presentation educated in-house counsel on these issues, including what to expect when receiving an engagement letter and a conflict waiver, the ethics issues motivating these provisions, and how a client can interface with outside counsel about these issues.