Before accepting a new client, what is an essential professional step a private investigator must take to avoid conflicts of interest?

1. Ask the new client if they have any potential conflicts of interest.
2. Inform the client that the PI takes on many cases, so conflicts are unavoidable.
3. Accept the case immediately and only address conflicts if they arise during the investigation.
4. Conduct a thorough conflict of interest check against current and past clients and cases.