When acting for joint buyers, a solicitor may act for both clients only if what condition is met?

• A. Only if there is no conflict of interest
• B. With the explicit consent of both clients
• C. Only if both clients are seen in person
• D. Only if the clients are related

Answer: (A)

In joint representation for buyers, the key rule is that a solicitor may act for both clients only if there is no conflict of interest between them. The solicitor owes each client loyalty and confidentiality and must be able to give independent advice to both. If their interests could diverge on terms of the purchase, risk allocation, disclosure issues, or how instructions are carried out, representing both could compromise one client's position or improperly use information from the other. In such cases, acting for both would not be appropriate, even with consent. Being related or requiring in-person meetings doesn’t change this fundamental requirement; what matters is whether a real conflict could arise. If there is no conflict, acting for both is permissible.