Opinion ID: 1215322
Heading Depth: 5
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Active representation of conflicting interests

Text: (1b) We conclude Hanson's simultaneous representation of Plankington and defendant resulted in active representation of competing interests. Hanson represented Plankington in a federal civil case against Martin for damages resulting from the arson, in which liability for the arson was obviously at issue. For the purposes of that suit, Plankington needed to show Martin was responsible for the arson. To establish Martin's responsibility, Plankington alleged in his complaint ( ante, fn. 4) that Martin directed defendant and others to commit the arson. In fact, it was so important to Plankington that it be shown defendant was involved in the crime (and that defendant was hired by Martin) that Plankington's lawyer, Hanson, obtained defendant's confession to involvement in the crime, in return for Plankington's payment for Hanson's services on defendant's appeal. At the same time, on defendant's behalf Hanson needed to raise doubt about defendant's involvement in the arson. The clearest type of conflict thus arose between Hanson's two clients: they had completely opposite interests concerning the same issue, and Hanson represented both simultaneously.