Opinion ID: 1191846
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Representation of Vann (Conflict Disclosures)

Text: Quiat next alleges that his conflict disclosures were adequate to obtain informed client consent and that the hearing board's conclusion to the contrary was clearly erroneous. Although Quiat asserts that his discussion pertains as well to Count III of the complaint, his argument is confined to the board's findings as to Count I, and we limit our analysis accordingly. In Count I, the hearing board found that Quiat violated DR 5-101(A) when he represented Vann in the bankruptcy at the same time he had a business relationship with Vann both as a limited partner in MMG and as a general partner in STAPO. The board also found that, because Quiat's waiver of conflict letter to Vann did not mention these business relationships, the disclosure was incomplete and Vann's waiver of conflicts was ineffective. Quiat acknowledges that his waiver of conflict letter did not mention his business relationships with Vann, but asserts that he orally discussed those matters with Vann. The complainant's response relates almost entirely to the ineffectiveness of the conflict waivers as between Quiat and Mr. and Mrs. Vann and the Vann children. The complainant does not specifically address Quiat's contention that the waiver of conflict between Vann and Quiat was effective because Vann had in fact been advised of the possibility of conflicts arising from Vann's and Quiat's business interests together. Quiat points to an affidavit signed by Vann as evidence that he and Vann did discuss potential conflicts arising from their mutual business interests. The affidavit is neither as detailed, nor as compelling, as Quiat suggests. We accept the hearing board's conclusion that Quiat's disclosures of possible conflicts to Vann were insufficient.