NALA Certified Paralegal Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

Attorney Smithers cannot represent Ms. Perkins in a patent infringement action against Computers, Inc., his former client, because it would breach the conflict of interest rule. This rule prohibits attorneys from taking on cases where there is a conflict of interest or potential for ethical issues arising from their previous or current relationships with the parties involved. In this case, Smithers has a duty of loyalty to his former client Computers, Inc., and representing Ms. Perkins against them could potentially jeopardize that loyalty and create a conflict of interest. Therefore, option D is the correct answer. Options A and C are incorrect because even though Computers, Inc. is a former client, it does not automatically grant Smithers permission to represent Ms. Perkins. Option B is incorrect because simultaneous representation is not the primary issue in this scenario, rather it is the conflict of interest.