Which rule deals with conflicts of interest for lawyers?

The correct choice is Rule 1.7, which specifically addresses conflicts of interest for lawyers. This rule outlines the conditions under which a lawyer may represent a client when there is a conflict of interest, focusing on situations where the representation of one client is directly adverse to another client or where there is a significant risk that the representation may be limited by the lawyer's responsibilities to another client, a former client, or a personal interest.

Rule 1.7 emphasizes the importance of ensuring that any potential conflicts are adequately disclosed to all affected clients and that informed consent is obtained if the lawyer chooses to proceed with the representation. This safeguards the ethical obligation of loyalty that lawyers owe to their clients.

In contrast, Rule 1.9 addresses duties to former clients, ensuring that lawyers do not use information from former clients to their disadvantage or represent a new client in a matter that is substantially similar to one involving the former client. Rule 8.4 deals with misconduct generally, prohibiting lawyers from engaging in actions that are dishonest, fraudulent, or deceitful, but does not specifically focus on conflicts of interest. Rule 3.6 pertains to trial publicity and the conduct of lawyers in relation to public statements about a case, which does not directly relate to