Lawyers who are legislators face conflicts

Transparency in government is a good thing, as is compliance with ethics rules.  It seems legislators understand this...some more overtly than others.

The 52 lawyers who serve in the state Legislature juggle a briefcase full of potential conflicts as they represent individuals or companies with significant business before the state, ranging from liquor licenses to bridge repair contracts.  ...in cases where the legislators’ legal work may only give the appearance of a conflict, they must simply disclose it to the State Ethics Commission or to the House or Senate clerk. Then they are free to act. Representative Garrett J. Bradley, a Hingham Democrat... his guiding principle,... “When you’re in doubt, disclose it.’’ [Full Article: Boston Globe]