The rules governing when a solicitor or firm may act for more than one client, and when a conflict of interest closes that door entirely.
A conflict missed at the outset can unravel a retainer months later, so the analysis runs through the whole life of a matter, not just its start. This chapter sets out the SRA framework, including own-interest conflicts, the firm-wide reach of the prohibition and the continuing nature of the duty. It then works through the absolute bars that no consent can overcome, the two narrow exceptions for substantially common interests and competing for the same objective, and the three mandatory conditions — informed consent, effective safeguards and reasonableness — that must all be met before acting. Finally, it applies these rules to mutual wills and residential conveyancing, and explains what happens when a joint retainer breaks down, including whether the solicitor can carry on for one party alone.
