In a brief filed Oct. 2 in federal court, Wilson, Elser, Moskowitz, Edelman & Dicker argues that it must be allowed to withdraw from a controversial case because one of its partners has an “unavoidable conflict of interest,” even though the partner denies any conflict.

The filing with Eastern District Judge I. Leo Glasser involves Wilson Elser partner Richard Lerner and his representation of a Long Island attorney Frederick Oberlander.