What might be a consequence of improperly handling a conflict of interest?

Improperly handling a conflict of interest can lead to a reprimand by the bar association as it is a violation of ethical standards that govern legal practice. Conflict of interest rules are designed to protect clients' rights and maintain the integrity of the legal profession. When an attorney fails to disclose a conflict or does not obtain the informed consent of affected clients, it can compromise the attorneys' obligations to act in the best interests of their clients. This misconduct can result in disciplinary action by the bar, which may include reprimands, fines, or even suspension or disbarment, depending on the severity of the infraction.

This underscores the importance of ethical compliance in law practice, as maintaining trust and transparency is crucial for effective representation and for upholding the public's faith in the legal system. In contrast, the other options, such as increasing caseload, higher client satisfaction, or more business referrals, typically are not outcomes associated with mishandling conflicts of interest and may in fact be negatively affected by such ethical breaches.