ISBA Ethics Opinions on Former Client | Illinois State Bar Association

Opinion 22-01 | Former Client
Representing medical malpractice plaintiff against medical group that lawyer previously represented as defense counsel in medical malpractice matters
Opinion 16-03 | Conflict of Interest | Former Client
Seeking child support from the same father on behalf of multiple clients
Opinion 05-01 | Former Client
Representation of new client in matter in which former client in unrelated matter may testify against new client

A lawyer may represent a client in a matter unrelated to a prior divorce proceeding in which the lawyer represented former client who now may testify against his current client. However, the lawyer may not cross-examine the former client unless it can be done both without using information relating to the prior representation to the disadvantage of the former client and without materially limiting his ability to effectively cross-examine the former client to the detriment of the current litigation client.
Opinion 98-01 | Former Client
Lawyer representing trust beneficiary against former client trust in unrelated matter
Opinion 95-04 | Former Client | Prospective Clients
Brief but substantive discussion with plaintiff in dispute with university does not preclude attorney joining university legal staff
Opinion 94-15 | Former Client
Representation of one spouse against the other spouse (and former client)
Opinion 93-18 | Former Client
Representing clients in a matter related to, but consistent with the interests of, a former client
Opinion 92-22 | Former Client
Use of client information subsequent to representation
Opinion 91-11 | Former Client
Negotiating leases adverse to former client
Opinion 91-05 | Former Client
Representation of estate (including judgment debtor beneficiary) adverse to former client judgment creditor
Opinion 90-05 | Former Client
Representing spouse in dissolution of marriage where lawyer formerly represented both spouses in various matters
Opinion 88-07 | Confidentiality | Former Client
Lawyer representing interests adverse to former client and using confidential, but public, information
Opinion 86-17 | Conflict of Interest | Former Client
Lawyers obligations to a client are not transferred to another when client transfers interest in the subject matter of the representation
Opinion 86-06 | Former Client
Representing spouse against other spouse who is former client
Opinion 85-11 | Former Client
Lawyer representing client against spouse of former client
Opinion 790 | Former Client
Representing party against former client
Opinion 753 | Former Client
Representation adverse to former client in unrelated matter
Opinion 724 | Former Client | Lawyer Representing Lawyer
Lawyer representing client against former lawyer client’s client
Opinion 704 | Former Client
Law firm representation of defendant in personal injury matter adverse to position of former client (now plaintiff) in traffic matter arising out of same matter
Opinion 691 | Former Client
Law firm representing party seeking amendments to contract that law firm drafted on behalf of former client

ISBA Advisory Opinions on Professional Conduct are prepared as an educational service to members of the ISBA. While the opinions express the ISBA interpretation of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct and other relevant materials in response to a specific hypothesized fact situation, they do not have the weight of law and should not be relied upon as a substitute for individual legal advice. For more information, call the ISBA Legal Department at (217) 525-1760 or (800) 252-8908.