When is a material limitation for client conflicts recognized?

A material limitation for client conflicts is recognized when representation risks being limited due to a duty owed to another. This highlights the principle that an attorney must navigate their responsibilities to multiple clients carefully to avoid compromising their ability to represent any particular client fully or effectively.

In situations where a lawyer has obligations to another party, there’s a chance that the attorney’s performance will be impaired because they are balancing conflicting interests. This could happen, for example, if a lawyer represents a client while simultaneously having a duty to another client or a third party, which may not align with the current client’s interests. The duty owed to another can restrict the lawyer's judgment or the extent of advocacy they can provide to one client over the other.

This principle is critically important in maintaining the integrity of the attorney-client relationship, ensuring that clients receive the undivided loyalty and representation they deserve without the attorney being pulled in different directions due to other commitments.