Which of the following best describes a lawyer's responsibility upon identifying a conflict of interest?

When a lawyer identifies a conflict of interest, their paramount responsibility is to act in the best interest of all clients involved. This duty stems from the ethical obligation to maintain loyalty and undivided allegiance to each client. A conflict of interest can arise when a lawyer's ability to represent one client is adversely affected by their responsibilities to another client, a former client, or their own interests.

Acting in the best interest of all clients involves careful consideration of how the conflict impacts the lawyer's representation. It may necessitate taking steps to resolve the conflict, which could include discussing the situation with the clients involved, obtaining their informed consent to proceed, or, in some cases, withdrawing from representation if it cannot be handled ethically.

This responsibility reflects the ethical standards established by the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, which emphasize the importance of client autonomy and the necessity of ensuring that clients are fully informed about any factors that may affect their representation. Thus, by prioritizing the interests of all clients, the lawyer upholds the integrity of the legal profession and the trust placed in them by their clients.