Attorney General Opinions 
Relating to County Government

2014 Conflicts of Interest

• A county commissioner may serve as clerk and master unless holding both offices is prohibited by private act or where circumstances arise that render the two offices incompatible.  A clerk and master is not prohibited from engaging in the private practice of law except in the chancery court where he or she serves, or in any case brought from that court, or where an appeal lies to that court.  A common law conflict of interest could arise where the clerk and master is acting or appearing to act inconsistently with the best interests of the public.  Opinion No. 14-23 (February 26, 2014).