What action must a lawyer take if a dispute arises between jointly represented clients?

When a dispute arises between jointly represented clients, the appropriate action for a lawyer is to withdraw from representing one or both clients. This course of action is necessary because the lawyer has a duty to maintain loyalty and confidentiality to each client, which can become compromised if a conflict arises.

In the context of joint representation, the lawyer has a limited ability to represent both clients if their interests begin to diverge. Conflict of interest rules require that a lawyer cannot represent multiple clients whose interests conflict unless all parties provide informed consent, and even then, the representation may need to be reconsidered if significant disputes emerge that cannot be reconciled.

Withdrawing from representation helps uphold ethical obligations and prevents further potential harm to the interests of the clients involved. It allows each client to seek independent counsel who can provide advice that is no longer influenced by the interests of the other party. This action protects the integrity of the attorney-client relationship and respects the differing interests that now exist due to the dispute.