94 N.J.L.J. 225
March 25, 1971
OPINION 199
Conflict of Interest
Representing
Zoning and Planning Boards
We have been petitioned to reconsider our Opinion 164, 92
N.J.L.J. 831 (1969), concerning the propriety of an attorney
representing both the board of adjustment and the planning board of
the same municipality, wherein we used the following language:
...Accordingly, it is our opinion that
the potential of conflict between the two
boards is so inherent in their different
duties, that an attorney should not undertake
to represent both boards in the same
municipality.
After carefully considering the arguments presented by the
petitioners for reconsideration we have concluded that the above
cited language of Opinion 164 should be modified to read as
follows:
...Accordingly, it is our opinion that an
attorney should not undertake to represent
both boards in the same municipality if there
is or may be a conflict of interest in a
particular situation. It is not the function
of this Committee to decide whether there is
incompatibility between the two offices as a
matter of law. Such determination can only be
made by our courts.