Legal Definitions - imputed disqualification

Definition: Imputed disqualification is when a lawyer is disqualified from representing a client due to a conflict of interest, and this disqualification extends to the entire law firm or office they work for. This is also known as vicarious disqualification.

Example: If a lawyer in a law firm has previously represented a client with a conflict of interest, they may be disqualified from representing a new client with a similar conflict. In this case, the entire law firm would also be disqualified from representing the new client.

This example illustrates how imputed disqualification can affect not only the individual lawyer but also their colleagues in the same law firm or office. It is important to avoid conflicts of interest to prevent imputed disqualification and maintain ethical standards in the legal profession.