Is it permissible for lawyers to represent clients with criminal records?

The principle that allows lawyers to represent clients with criminal records hinges on the competency with which they conduct that representation. Lawyers are obligated to provide competent representation to all clients, regardless of their backgrounds or criminal history. As long as the lawyer is capable of effectively addressing the legal issues at hand and complying with ethical standards, they are permitted to take on such cases.

Representing clients with criminal records does not inherently create a conflict of interest. Lawyers must evaluate each case individually, assessing their ability to represent the client competently without being hindered by any previous criminal history of the client. Furthermore, the legal profession often aims to ensure access to justice for all individuals, including those who have made mistakes in the past; hence, it is essential that qualified attorneys are willing to represent these individuals and provide them with a fair legal defense.

The remaining options suggest an overly restrictive view of a lawyer's ability to represent clients. Prohibiting representation based on the existence of a criminal record would undermine the legal principles of equality and access to representation, which are foundational to the justice system.