Free Legal Template
Download a free conflict of interest check template in Word, PDF, or Markdown. Or turn any video into conflict of interest check template with Docsie AI — auto-fills every required field.
Use this template to cOI screening for [matter type].
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Legal |
| Owner | [Team or owner] |
| Version | [Version number] |
| Effective Date | [Date] |
| Review Cycle | [Monthly / Quarterly / Annual / Event-based] |
| Status | [Draft / In Review / Approved] |
Describe the systematic approach to identifying conflicts. Specify what information must be collected from the prospective client, how to identify all parties and related entities, and what sources to search.
| Item | Details | Owner | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Item or requirement] | [Describe the relevant detail, evidence, or decision] | [Owner] | [Open / Complete] |
| [Item or requirement] | [Describe the relevant detail, evidence, or decision] | [Owner] | [Open / Complete] |
[Add context, assumptions, exceptions, evidence links, screenshots, calculations, or reviewer comments.]
Detail the specific searches to run in the firm's conflict database. Include search terms, variations, aliases, and affiliated entities. Describe how to search for corporate families, subsidiaries, and related.
| Item | Details | Owner | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Item or requirement] | [Describe the relevant detail, evidence, or decision] | [Owner] | [Open / Complete] |
| [Item or requirement] | [Describe the relevant detail, evidence, or decision] | [Owner] | [Open / Complete] |
[Add context, assumptions, exceptions, evidence links, screenshots, calculations, or reviewer comments.]
Define what constitutes a conflict under the applicable Rules of Professional Conduct (current client conflicts, former client conflicts, imputed conflicts). Provide decision criteria for common scenarios with clear.
| Item | Details | Owner | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Item or requirement] | [Describe the relevant detail, evidence, or decision] | [Owner] | [Open / Complete] |
| [Item or requirement] | [Describe the relevant detail, evidence, or decision] | [Owner] | [Open / Complete] |
[Add context, assumptions, exceptions, evidence links, screenshots, calculations, or reviewer comments.]
Describe the workflow when a potential conflict is identified: who reviews, timeline for resolution, and how to handle ambiguous situations. Include the role of the Ethics Committee or designated Ethics Partner.
| Item | Details | Owner | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Item or requirement] | [Describe the relevant detail, evidence, or decision] | [Owner] | [Open / Complete] |
| [Item or requirement] | [Describe the relevant detail, evidence, or decision] | [Owner] | [Open / Complete] |
[Add context, assumptions, exceptions, evidence links, screenshots, calculations, or reviewer comments.]
Explain when a conflict may be waived with informed consent, the requirements for a valid waiver, who must consent, and how to document the waiver. Reference applicable RPC rules. Use flowchart-style descriptions and.
| Item | Details | Owner | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Item or requirement] | [Describe the relevant detail, evidence, or decision] | [Owner] | [Open / Complete] |
| [Item or requirement] | [Describe the relevant detail, evidence, or decision] | [Owner] | [Open / Complete] |
[Add context, assumptions, exceptions, evidence links, screenshots, calculations, or reviewer comments.]
Deploy this conflict check immediately when any prospective client requests representation or engagement scope changes.
This template produces a systematic workflow ensuring ABA Model Rules 1.7, 1.9, and 1.10 compliance.
Most conflicts arise from incomplete entity searches and undocumented waiver attempts that fail enforceability standards.
Template Structure
Use this legal template as a starting point, then customize each section to match your internal workflow, evidence, and signoff needs.
Describe the systematic approach to identifying conflicts. Specify what information must be collected from the prospective client, how to identify all parties and related entities, and what sources to search.
Detail the specific searches to run in the firm's conflict database. Include search terms, variations, aliases, and affiliated entities. Describe how to search for corporate families, subsidiaries, and related.
Define what constitutes a conflict under the applicable Rules of Professional Conduct (current client conflicts, former client conflicts, imputed conflicts). Provide decision criteria for common scenarios with clear.
Describe the workflow when a potential conflict is identified: who reviews, timeline for resolution, and how to handle ambiguous situations. Include the role of the Ethics Committee or designated Ethics Partner.
Explain when a conflict may be waived with informed consent, the requirements for a valid waiver, who must consent, and how to document the waiver. Reference applicable RPC rules. Use flowchart-style descriptions and.
Write a Conflict of Interest Screening Procedure for a law firm. Use a precise, process-oriented tone. Structure with:
Describe the systematic approach to identifying conflicts. Specify what information must be collected from the prospective client, how to identify all parties and related entities, and what sources to search.
Detail the specific searches to run in the firm's conflict database. Include search terms, variations, aliases, and affiliated entities. Describe how to search for corporate families, subsidiaries, and related individuals.
Define what constitutes a conflict under the applicable Rules of Professional Conduct (current client conflicts, former client conflicts, imputed conflicts). Provide decision criteria for common scenarios with clear examples.
Describe the workflow when a potential conflict is identified: who reviews, timeline for resolution, and how to handle ambiguous situations. Include the role of the Ethics Committee or designated Ethics Partner.
Explain when a conflict may be waived with informed consent, the requirements for a valid waiver, who must consent, and how to document the waiver. Reference applicable RPC rules.
Use flowchart-style descriptions and tables. Be thorough — missed conflicts can result in disqualification and malpractice claims.
Firm: Whitfield & Associates LLP | Version: 4.1 | Effective: January 2026
Before running any conflict search, the intake attorney must obtain:
| Source | Purpose | Searched By |
|---|---|---|
| ProLaw conflict database | Current and former client matches | Conflicts Coordinator |
| Attorney recollection memo | Undocumented relationships | All M&A Group attorneys |
| Public records (SEC EDGAR, state filings) | Corporate family tree | Paralegal |
| Lateral hire disclosure | Prior firm representations | Conflicts Coordinator |
Run the following searches in ProLaw for each identified party:
Flag any match with a confidence level: Direct (exact name), Possible (partial match or related entity), or Indirect (shared principal or affiliate).
| Scenario | Conflict Type | RPC Rule | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firm currently represents adverse party | Current client — direct adversity | RPC 1.7(a) | Decline unless waiver obtained from both clients |
| Firm formerly represented adverse party in substantially related matter | Former client | RPC 1.9(a) | Decline unless former client consents |
| Lateral attorney previously represented a party at prior firm | Imputed conflict | RPC 1.10 | Evaluate screening availability; Ethics Partner review required |
| Firm represents entity whose subsidiary is adverse | Current client — related entity | RPC 1.7(a) | Ethics Partner evaluates materiality of adversity |
| No matches found | No conflict | N/A | Document clearance; proceed with engagement |
A conflict may be waived only if: (1) the attorney reasonably believes competent and diligent representation is possible, (2) the representation is not prohibited by law, (3) the clients are not directly adverse in the same proceeding, and (4) each affected client gives informed consent, confirmed in writing (RPC 1.7(b)).
| Step | Action | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ethics Partner prepares written disclosure of the conflict | Ethics Partner |
| 2 | Disclosure sent to each affected client with recommendation to seek independent counsel | Intake Attorney |
| 3 | Client executes written consent (firm template WAV-001) | Client |
| 4 | Waiver filed in conflict database and both matter files | Conflicts Coordinator |
| 5 | Annual re-evaluation of waiver if engagement continues | Assigned Partner |
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Managing [case type] cases from intake to resolution
New client onboarding for [practice area]
Retention schedule for [document types] at a law firm
Engagement terms for [service type]
Preservation notice for [matter]
Analysis of [legal issue] with research and conclusions
Template FAQ
Common questions about downloading and generating a conflict of interest check template.
Q: What is a conflict of interest check template?
A: A conflict of interest check template is a structured document for coi screening for [matter type].
Q: Is the conflict of interest check template really free?
A: Yes. The conflict of interest check template is completely free to download in Word (DOCX), PDF, and Markdown formats. No signup or credit card required to download.
Q: How do I turn a video into a conflict of Interest Check?
A: Upload a process walkthrough, training recording, or screen capture to Docsie. The AI analyzes the video and generates a complete conflict of Interest Check using this template's structure — every required field auto-filled from the footage.
Q: Can I edit the conflict of interest check template after downloading?
A: Yes. The DOCX format opens in Microsoft Word or Google Docs. The Markdown format imports into Notion, Confluence, Docsie, or any markdown editor. Customize fields, add your branding, and adapt to your internal workflow.