Administration of Justice Bulletin #2026/03

This bulletin addresses common questions involving potential conflicts of interest with former clients in criminal cases. Focusing on issues that frequently arise in public defender offices, it examines conflicts involving former clients who later become witnesses or victims in current cases, the use of prior convictions for impeachment, and the handling of confidential information from prior representations. Presented in a question-and-answer format, the bulletin offers practical guidance on determining when conflicts exist and when informed consent, screening and notice, withdrawal, or reassignment to outside counsel may be appropriate.