A conflict of interest exists when there is a substantial risk that an advocate's services to a client will be materially limited by the advocate's personal or professional interests. When may the advocate continue providing services to the client?

• A. The advocate may continue only if they can still provide competent and diligent services and the client gives informed consent in writing.
• B. The advocate may continue if the client approves a temporary waiver of consent.
• C. The advocate may continue only if they will be able to provide competent and diligent services and the client gives informed consent, confirmed in writing.
• D. The advocate may continue if no other conflicts are present and the client agrees verbally.

Answer: (C)

When a conflict exists, continuing to provide advocacy is acceptable only if the advocate can still deliver competent and diligent services and the client gives informed consent that is confirmed in writing. The emphasis on writing-confirmed consent creates a clear, verifiable record that the client understands how the conflict could affect the advocate’s duties and agrees to proceed despite it. This protects both parties by ensuring ongoing accountability and quality of service. Options that rely on a simple written consent, a temporary waiver, or verbal agreement don’t provide the same level of assurance or documentation, and thus aren’t sufficient under these circumstances.