After a robust search, the Am Law 200 firm zeroed in on a perfect lateral partner candidate—a respected litigator with a substantial client base. Over the next several weeks, interviews commenced, questionnaires were completed, and both the firm and the partner were confident that they had found the right fit. But as they approached the finish line, a problem emerged: a conflict with one of the incoming partner's key clients. What had seemed like a done deal suddenly became complicated.