What does MRPC Rule 1.10 address?

Rule 1.10 of the Model Rules of Professional Conduct specifically addresses the imputation of conflicts of interest among lawyers within a law firm. This rule establishes that if one lawyer in a firm has a conflict of interest, that conflict can be imputed to the other lawyers in the firm, restricting their ability to represent clients in the same matter unless certain conditions are met.

This imputation is based on the principle that lawyers in the same firm are generally assumed to be sharing information and working collaboratively, which can create a conflict for the entire firm based on the conflict of just one lawyer. The rule aims to ensure that clients receive undivided loyalty and effective advocacy from their legal representatives.

The other options do not pertain to Rule 1.10. The maintenance of client files (the second option) falls under different rules regarding the safeguarding and confidentiality of client information. The third option concerning interactive conflict resolution is not addressed in the MRPC, as it focuses on client-lawyer relationships rather than internal firm dynamics. Lastly, criteria for lawyer advertising are governed by Rule 7.1, which discusses communication about a lawyer's services, rather than conflicts of interest.