What constitutes a conflict of interest?

As we have subsequently clarified, however, not every disagreement with defense counsel amounts to a conflict of interest. See White, 174 F.3d at 296. "[I]t is to be expected that counsel will often be placed in the difficult position of having to comment on an asserted disagreement with her client, if only to inform the court as to whether she believes that she can continue the representation." Id. Consistent with the limitation recognized in White, Lopez should not be read as holding that the mere accusation of coercion, without more, is sufficient to create a conflict of interest. See United States v. Moree, 220 F.3d 65, 71 (2d Cir. 2000). In Lopez, a conflict arose when defense counsel was placed in the position of having to contradict his client in order to protect himself from allegations of malpractice and potential liability. On the other hand, and as is frequently the case, if a defendant's allegations describe only competent counsel's candid advice about the risks of going to trial, counsel will not be placed in an

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