A conflict of interest occurs when an individual or entitys personal interests, such as family, friendships, financial, or social factors, could compromise their judgment, decisions, or actions in the workplace or professional setting. It arises when there is a clash between personal interests and professional duties or responsibilities. Conflicts of interest can be financial or non-financial in nature. Some examples of conflicts of interest include representing a family member in court, starting a business that competes with your full-time employer, or advising a client to invest in a company owned by your spouse. Conflicts of interest can occur in various settings, including government agencies, industry organizations, corporations, and universities. It is important to maintain transparency when dealing with both actual and potentially perceived conflicts of interest. Perception happens when an individual observes. Conflicts of interest can have legal ramifications. To avoid conflicts of interest, individuals and entities must take care to check for potential conflicts prior to accepting a client or engaging in an activity.