94 N.J.L.J. 483
June 3, 1971
OPINION 211
Conflict of Interest -
Action Against Former Client
The inquirer was formerly the attorney for a corporation. Some
of his duties consisted of representing the corporation in
workmen's compensation matters. Recently, having left the employ of
the corporation, he has been representing employees of the
corporation who had previously made claims against the corporation
while he was the corporation's attorney and are now seeking
additional compensation on the grounds of increased disability from
the same injury. The attorney asks whether it is proper for him to
represent these employees under these circumstances.
To state the question is to indicate the answer. The attorney
has previously represented the corporation in proceedings involving
these same employees and has had access to the corporation's files
dealing with the employees' injuries. Clearly he may not now
represent these same employees in actions against his former
client. See our Opinions 6, 86 N.J.L.J. 718 (1963), and 97, 89
N.J.L.J. 507 (1966).