This eLearning course provides comprehensive training on the identification and management of conflicts of interest within law firms. Conflicts of interest represent one of the most significant risks in legal practice, as they can compromise the duty of undivided loyalty that a solicitor owes to their client. The SRA Code of Conduct sets clear requirements around conflicts management, and failure to comply can have serious regulatory and professional consequences.
The course begins by defining what constitutes a conflict of interest in a legal context, exploring the various types that can arise including own-interest conflicts, client-client conflicts, and conflicts arising from previous representations. The training covers the SRA's specific requirements, including the obligation to identify and assess potential conflicts before accepting instructions, the circumstances in which representation can continue with informed consent, and the situations where a conflict is so acute that the firm must cease acting.
Practical guidance is provided on the procedures that law firms should have in place for identifying and managing conflicts, including the use of conflict checks, the maintenance of a central database, and the role of the compliance officer for legal practice (COLP). The course uses realistic scenarios to illustrate common conflict situations that arise in legal practice, covering areas such as acting for multiple parties, personal relationships with opposing parties, and the movement of fee earners between firms.
Upon completion, legal professionals will be able to identify potential conflicts of interest, understand their obligations under SRA rules, and apply the correct procedures for managing conflicts in practice. The training supports law firms in maintaining robust conflicts management arrangements and upholding their professional duties to clients.
