This column, written by Mark Hinderks, of Stinson LLP, focuses on ethics questions. The discussion here is based on the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, but the Model Rules are often adopted in different and amended versions, and interpreted in different ways in various places. Always check the rules and authorities applicable in your relevant jurisdiction—the result may be completely different.

Question: I am a litigation attorney in a medium-sized firm in a medium-sized city. I am also part of a proud family of lawyers extending back a couple of generations. My sister and I also have daughters who have graduated from law school (what else?), and they have begun their careers at separate local litigation boutiques. Recently, a large case was filed in our city stemming from the collapse of a building under construction. It involves multiple plaintiffs and more than a dozen defendants, including one of my firm’s clients. Most local litigation firms have become involved. In a quirk of coincidence arising from these circumstances, my daughter, my niece and I have each entered appearances for different defendants, each of which has cross-claimed against the others. Do our relationships as opposing counsel present conflicts? May I appear as counsel in the action in which my daughter and niece are on opposing legal teams if they are not the lead? Can any issues be resolved with client consents? Does this situation result in Rule 1.10(a) imputed disqualification of any of the firms?