Can two lawyers from the same firm represent opposing parties?

While dealing with legal disputes in Surrey, BC, one of the most common questions clients ask is: Can two lawyers from the same firm represent opposing parties? This question usually arises when both parties involved in a case seek legal help from a well-known local law firm. The answer is straightforward—Canadian law, and specifically the Law Society of British Columbia, prohibits such arrangements because of the risk of conflict of interest. 

The duty of confidentiality and loyalty to clients means a lawyer cannot represent one side while another lawyer from the same firm represents the other. At the same time, clients also wonder, can two lawyers represent the same client? The answer is yes—law firms often assign multiple lawyers to the same file for strategic and practical reasons. 

Can Two Lawyers from the Same Firm Represent Opposing Parties?

Lawyers are expected to uphold strict ethical standards, one of the most important being the duty to avoid conflicts of interest. When two clients have directly opposing interests, lawyers from the same firm can't represent both sides without compromising loyalty or confidentiality. This is because a law firm is treated as a single entity—if one lawyer has access to sensitive client information, it is presumed that all lawyers within the firm could potentially access it as well. Even if internal safeguards are in place, the appearance of divided loyalty undermines trust in the legal profession.

A common example arises in real estate transactions, where one client is selling property and the other is buying. If both approach the same office, the firm must decline one of the retainers to avoid conflict. To protect clients and maintain fairness, firms conduct rigorous conflict checks before taking on new matters, ensuring representation remains ethical and impartial.

Ethical Safeguards in Surrey, BC

Ethical practice is the foundation of every lawyer–client relationship, and nowhere is this more important than in preventing conflicts of interest. In Surrey, BC, clients rely on their lawyers not only for legal guidance but also for fairness, confidentiality, and trust. To protect these values, the Law Society of British Columbia enforces strict professional conduct rules that apply to every lawyer and law firm operating in the province. 

These rules make it clear that client loyalty and confidentiality extend beyond individual lawyers and cover the entire firm. As a result, safeguards are in place to identify and manage potential conflicts long before representation begins. These measures ensure that clients can feel confident that their legal matters will be handled with integrity and impartiality.

• Lawyers must decline representation if there’s a real or perceived conflict.

• Law firms in Surrey conduct thorough conflict searches before onboarding clients.

• Lawyers have a duty of loyalty and confidentiality that extends to their entire firm.

By following these safeguards, Surrey lawyers ensure that no client is disadvantaged and that ethical practice remains at the core of legal services.

Can Two Lawyers Represent the Same Client?

Yes, two lawyers can represent the same client, and this arrangement is actually very common in many law firms. Clients often benefit when more than one lawyer is involved in a case because it allows the legal team to combine different levels of experience, areas of knowledge, and perspectives. For example, a senior lawyer may oversee the overall strategy while a junior lawyer manages research or document preparation, ensuring the case is handled efficiently and cost-effectively. In complex litigation, two trial lawyers may collaborate to strengthen arguments and share responsibilities during hearings. Similarly, in corporate or family law, multiple lawyers can divide tasks, streamline negotiations, and provide broader support.

Working with more than one lawyer also ensures continuity—if one lawyer is unavailable, another is already familiar with the matter. Overall, this approach enhances client service, reduces delays, and provides a stronger legal strategy while maintaining consistency and professionalism.

Risks of Ignoring Conflict Rules 

Ignoring the principle that two lawyers from the same firm cannot represent opposing parties has serious consequences: 

• Court Intervention: A court may disqualify a lawyer or an entire firm from the case. This not only disrupts ongoing proceedings but can also cause significant delays in achieving a resolution. In some cases, the disqualification may even weaken a client’s position in litigation, as they may need to find new counsel at a critical stage.

  
  

• Ethical Violations: The Law Society of BC may investigate and discipline lawyers. Sanctions could range from formal warnings to suspension of practice, depending on the severity of the breach. These consequences can damage the lawyer’s professional

  reputation and the credibility of the firm.

  
  

• Loss of Trust: Clients may feel betrayed if conflicts are mishandled. Trust is the foundation of the lawyer–client relationship, and once lost, it can be nearly impossible to rebuild. A client who feels their confidentiality was compromised may also seek compensation or file complaints.

  
  

• Financial Impact: Cases can be delayed or jeopardized due to disqualification. Legal costs can increase if a client is forced to change firms mid-case, and strategic setbacks may affect the outcome. Additionally, the firm may face liability claims for mishandling a conflict.

  
  

This is why reputable Surrey firms are diligent about avoiding conflicts from the very beginning.

Local Angle – What Surrey Clients Should Know?

For clients in Surrey, BC, understanding how conflict-of-interest rules work is essential before hiring a lawyer. Law firms in Surrey follow the Law Society of British Columbia’s Code of Professional Conduct, which prohibits two lawyers from the same firm from representing opposing parties. This rule ensures that client confidentiality and loyalty are fully protected.

Before choosing a lawyer, Surrey residents should take a few practical steps. First, always check the lawyer’s status in the Law Society of BC online directory to confirm they are licensed and in good standing. Second, ask the firm about their conflict-check process. Reputable Surrey law firms run thorough checks before taking on new clients and will be transparent if a potential conflict exists. Third, request a clear written retainer agreement so you understand exactly who will represent you and how your interests will be protected.

Clients should also know that while two lawyers from the same firm cannot represent opposing sides, it is normal for multiple lawyers from one firm to work together on the same client’s case. This teamwork often provides stronger legal strategies and greater efficiency. Ultimately, Surrey clients benefit when law firms put ethics and transparency first.

Final Words

So, can two lawyers from the same firm represent opposing parties? The answer is a firm no. Conflict of interest rules in Surrey, BC, prohibit lawyers from the same firm from acting against one another’s clients. These rules exist to protect confidentiality, loyalty, and client trust.

On the other hand, can two lawyers represent the same client? Absolutely—and in fact, it’s often beneficial. Surrey law firms regularly assign multiple lawyers to strengthen a client’s legal strategy.

For Surrey residents, the key takeaway is this: always verify your lawyer’s credentials through the Law Society of BC, ask about conflict policies, and ensure your lawyer prioritizes ethics and transparency. A legitimate Surrey firm will never put you in a conflicted situation.

FAQs

Q: Can an attorney represent both sides of an issue at the same time without being unethical? No. Just like the rule in Surrey, BC, an attorney cannot ethically represent both sides at the same time. This would create a direct conflict of interest and breach confidentiality.

Q: Where representing two or more clients would create a conflict of interest, a law firm? In such cases, a law firm must decline representation. If two lawyers from the same firm represent opposing parties, the firm would violate the Law Society of BC’s professional conduct rules and risk disqualification