Opinion ID: 835242
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Violation of DR 5-105(E)

Text: Next we consider the alleged violation of DR 5-105(E), which provided: Except as provided in DR 5-105(F), a lawyer shall not represent multiple current clients in any matters when such representation would result in actual or likely conflict. The exception in DR 5-105(F) provided: A lawyer may represent multiple current clients in instances otherwise prohibited by DR 5-105(E) when such representation would not result in an actual conflict and when each client consents to the multiple representation after full disclosure. Again, full disclosure was defined in DR 10-101(B). As noted above, the accused prepared wills for both Stephanie and Rose, knowing that they had an actual conflict as to how they would each dispose of their estates, which the accused does not deny. Nevertheless, the accused contends that he drafted the wills as a friend and that drafting wills, in general, does not require legal expertise; it follows, in the accused's view, that he was not required to comply with the rule. That argument is wholly without merit. The accused violated DR 5-105(E) when he prepared wills for both Stephanie and Rose, knowing that the sisters had an actual conflict.