What should a lawyer do if they believe their representation might be materially limited by financial interests?

When a lawyer believes that their representation of a client might be materially limited by their own financial interests, the appropriate action is to withdraw from representation. This is rooted in the ethical obligation to avoid conflicts of interest that can adversely affect the quality of legal representation provided to clients.

When a lawyer has a financial interest that could interfere with their professional judgment or the interests of the client, it is crucial to prioritize the client's interests above all else. Continuing the representation in such a scenario could compromise the lawyer’s ability to provide independent and competent legal advice, which is a fundamental principle of the legal profession.

Withdrawal helps to maintain the integrity of the attorney-client relationship and ensures the client is not adversely affected by potential conflicts of interest. Clients are entitled to have their interests represented without compromise, and a conflict arising from the lawyer's financial interests could lead to a breach of ethical duties outlined in the Model Rules of Professional Conduct.

The other options present different approaches that do not adequately safeguard the client’s interests or adhere to ethical standards. For example, proceeding without disclosure creates an inherent risk of conflict and ethical violation, while merely disclosing the interest verbally without withdrawing may still leave the client in a precarious situation. Asking the client to pay additional fees in this context could