Under the BC Code, when can a lawyer represent parties with different interests?

The situation in which a lawyer can represent parties with different interests is specifically governed by the principles of conflict of interest laid out in the BC Code. A lawyer may represent parties with differing interests if it is determined to be impractical for them to have separate representation. This implies that there must be a reasonable justification for the lawyer to act for both parties, typically resting on grounds of efficiency or the nature of the relationship among the parties involved.

The requirement of impracticality does not mean that separate representation is merely inconvenient; rather, it suggests that the circumstances do not allow for it without causing undue hardship or significant complications. This notion supports the ability of a lawyer to maintain their professional duties to their clients while navigating potential conflicts in representation.

In contrast, each of the other choices does not adhere to the guidelines outlined in the BC Code. For instance, representing only family members does not automatically grant dispensation to represent clients with conflicting interests. Similarly, mere agreement on all terms does not negate the potential for conflict inherent in diverse interests, and a high-value case does not justify joint representation if such representation would compromise the integrity of the legal services provided.