What is the term for representing multiple clients in the same legal matter?

The correct term for representing multiple clients in the same legal matter is "joint retainers." This practice occurs when a lawyer is retained to represent two or more clients who have a common interest in the same legal matter. Joint retainers can be beneficial as they may help streamline the legal process and reduce costs for the clients involved. However, it is crucial for the lawyer to ensure that there are no conflicting interests between the clients, and that any potential conflicts are managed appropriately.

In joint retainer situations, it is also essential for the lawyer to obtain informed consent from each client, ensuring that they fully understand the implications of joint representation, including the potential for conflicts. This helps maintain transparency and upholds the lawyer's ethical obligations.

Other options may seem relevant but involve different concepts. For instance, conflict of interest refers to situations where a lawyer has competing interests that could impair their ability to represent a client effectively. Pro bono refers to providing legal services free of charge, and disclosure with client authority involves the lawyer sharing information about a client with another person but typically in a context that does not involve joint representation. Therefore, while those terms relate to important legal considerations, they do not specifically describe the act of representing multiple clients in the same matter as effectively as