ISBA Ethics Opinions on Screening | Illinois State Bar Association

Opinion 18-02 | Conflict of Interest | Imputed Disqualification | Screening
Availability of screening to insulate existing members of a firm from other firm members potential conflicts

As a means to avoid imputation of a conflict within a lawfirm, screening is only available when a lawyer becomes associated with a firm. Screening is not available to insulate existing members of a firm from each other’s potential conflicts.
Opinion 88-02 | Imputed Disqualification | Screening
Former public defender hired as assistant state’s attorney in same county

Vicarious disqualification does not occur if an attorney possessing a conflict is, upon joining a new office, appropriately "screened" from contact.

ISBA Advisory Opinions on Professional Conduct are prepared as an educational service to members of the ISBA. While the opinions express the ISBA interpretation of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct and other relevant materials in response to a specific hypothesized fact situation, they do not have the weight of law and should not be relied upon as a substitute for individual legal advice. For more information, call the ISBA Legal Department at (217) 525-1760 or (800) 252-8908.

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