Can a UK solicitor continue representing me if they might have a conflict of interest?

Hello, good morning. Based on the circumstances you've described, a UK solicitor cannot continue to represent you if there is a conflict of interest, or a significant risk of one. The situation you've outlined, involving a close personal relationship with an adviser to the opposing party, raises legitimate concerns about conflicts of interest and confidentiality that are governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Code of Conduct. You have several options, including raising the issue with the firm, changing solicitors, or reporting your concerns to the SRA. Solicitor's Duty and Conflict of Interest. The SRA Code of Conduct explicitly prohibits solicitors from acting in situations where there is an "own interest conflict" or a significant risk of one. An own interest conflict is any situation where the solicitor's duty to act in your best interests conflicts, or is at risk of conflicting, with their own personal interests. This includes conflicts arising from personal relationships. Your solicitor also has an unwavering duty to keep your affairs confidential. This is a core professional principle and a legal obligation that is not limited to simply not sharing information, but also includes not misusing it for any purpose other than for your benefit. This duty of confidentiality extends to former clients and all information regardless of the source. Your Options: You are entitled to take action if you believe your solicitor's ability to represent you is compromised. Here are the steps you can consider: Raised Concerns with the Firm: You have the right to complain to your solicitor's firm. The firm is obligated to have a complaints procedure in place. This should be your initial step to formally put them on notice and give them an opportunity to resolve the matter internally. Change Your Solicitor: It is an established principle of English law that you can change your solicitor at any point during your case. Reasons for changing solicitors include a loss of trust or a disagreement with their advice. You can seek a second opinion from another solicitor without informing your current one. If you decide to switch, the new firm will request your file from your previous solicitor. Be aware that changing solicitors can have implications for costs, especially if you have a "no win, no fee" agreement, and could affect the timing of your case. Report to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA): The SRA is the body that regulates solicitors and law firms in England and Wales. You can report a solicitor or firm to the SRA if you believe they have breached the SRA's principles, such as by acting with a conflict of interest or dishonesty. The SRA investigates serious breaches of its rules. If you complain to the firm and are not satisfied with their response, you can then escalate the complaint to the SRA. A solicitor has a duty to act with independence and uphold public trust, which can override their duty to a single client.