Disqualifying Counsel in Corporate Representation-Eroding Standards in Changing Times

The author describes common situations in which a conflict of interest may provide grounds for disqualification of an attorney or a law firm from participating in litigation or other adversary proceedings. The article then traces the movement of some federal courts away from traditional rules and principles of disqualification for conflict of interest. Discussing some of the pressures to change the rules, such as the need of large corporate law firms to conduct business nationwide, the author finally expresses doubt that the organized bar can create clear and demanding ethical rules for itself.