What is addressed by MRPC Rule 1.9?

MRPC Rule 1.9 specifically addresses the duties owed to former clients, particularly regarding conflicts of interest. This rule emphasizes that an attorney cannot represent a new client in a matter that is substantially related to a matter in which the lawyer previously represented another client, unless the former client provides informed consent. The focus here is to ensure the confidentiality and loyalty that the attorney owes to the former client are maintained, preventing any potential misuse of sensitive information obtained during the prior representation.

The other options cover different areas of professional conduct. Duties owed to current clients are delineated in MRPC Rule 1.7, which deals with concurrent conflicts of interest. Actions to take upon client termination are more related to issues of withdrawal and client obligations, which are also found in other parts of the rules, particularly in MRPC Rule 1.16. Procedures for reporting attorney misconduct fall under different rules and guidelines in the context of professional responsibility and do not specifically connect to the obligations towards former clients. Thus, the focus of Rule 1.9 on former client matters, particularly concerning conflicts of interest, is what makes that answer the most appropriate.