(a) A lawyer who has formerly represented a client in a matter shall not thereafter represent another person in the same or a substantially related matter in which that person's interests are materially adverse to the interests of the former client unless the former client gives informed consent, confirmed in writing.

(b) A lawyer shall not knowingly represent a person in the same or a substantially related matter in which a firm with which the lawyer formerly was associated had previously represented a client:

(a) A lawyer shall not enter into a business transaction with a client or knowingly acquire an ownership, possessory, security or other pecuniary interest adverse to a client unless:

     (1) the transaction and terms on which the lawyer acquires the interest are fair and reasonable to the client and are fully disclosed and transmitted in writing in a manner that can be reasonably understood by the client;

(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c), a lawyer shall not represent a client if the representation involves a concurrent conflict of interest. A concurrent conflict of interest exists if:

     (1) the representation of one client will be directly adverse to another client; or

     (2) there is a significant risk that the representation of one or more clients will be materially limited by the lawyer's responsibilities to another client , a former client or a third person or by a personal interest of the lawyer.

(a)  A lawyer shall not reveal information relating to the representation of a client unless the client gives informed consent, the disclosure is impliedly authorized in order to carry out the representation, or the disclosure is permitted by paragraph (b).

(b)  A lawyer may reveal such information to the extent the lawyer reasonably believes necessary:

(a) A lawyer shall not enter into an agreement for, charge, or collect an illegal or unreasonable fee or an unreasonable amount for expenses.  The factors to be considered in determining the reasonableness of a fee or expenses include the following:

     (1) the time and labor required, the novelty and difficulty of the questions involved, and the skill requisite to perform the legal service properly;

  (a) A lawyer shall:

        (1)  promptly inform the client of any decision or circumstance with respect to which the client's informed consent is required by these Rules;

        (2)  reasonably consult with the client about the means by which the client's objectives are to be accomplished;

        (3)  keep the client reasonably informed about the status of the matter;

        (4)  promptly comply with reasonable requests for information; and

A lawyer shall act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client.

Ethics Committee Comment

(a) Subject to paragraphs (c), (d), and (e), a lawyer shall abide by a client’s decisions concerning the objectives of representation, and, as required by Rule 1.4, shall consult with the client as to the means by which they are to be pursued.  A lawyer may take such action on behalf of the client as is impliedly authorized to carry out the representation.

(b) A lawyer’s representation of a client, including representation by appointment, does not constitute an endorsement of the client’s political, economic, social or moral views or activities.

(a) A lawyer shall provide competent representation to a client.

    (b) Legal competence requires at a minimum:

         (1) specific knowledge about the fields of law in which the lawyer practices;

         (2) performance of the techniques of practice with skill;

         (3) identification of areas beyond the lawyer's competence and bringing those areas to the client's attention;

         (4) proper preparation; and

(a) "Belief" or "believes" denotes that the person involved actually supposed the fact in question to be true. A person's belief may be inferred from circumstances.