What is the test for disqualification of counsel in a civil proceeding?

British Columbia, Canada


The following excerpt is from Bassett v Magee, 2018 BCSC 2322 (CanLII):

The right of any litigant to retain (and continue with) counsel of his choice, while not absolute, is one which has significant weight. Disqualification of counsel, and his removal from the record in ongoing proceedings, civil or criminal, is a step that should not be undertaken where there is a clear, responsible alternative and where such an order is not mandated by fundamental fairness and the public interest in the due administration of justice, as interpreted in Martin v. MacDonald, supra. … [Emphasis in original, citations omitted.]

Other Questions


Can a class proceeding be the basis for a legal proceeding if the claims presented in that proceeding cannot be sustained individually? (British Columbia, Canada)
Does a witness in a civil proceeding have absolute immunity from civil action at common law? (British Columbia, Canada)
What is the current state of the law regarding naming of participants in civil proceedings? (British Columbia, Canada)
How have special costs been awarded in civil actions where the purpose of the civil action was to silence public opposition? (British Columbia, Canada)
Does a judge have jurisdiction to grant a conditional stay of proceedings pending the appointment of legal counsel? (British Columbia, Canada)
Can a plaintiff proceed by petition under Rule 10(1) of the BC Rules of Civil Procedure to determine whether there were implied terms as alleged? (British Columbia, Canada)
Can an application to dismiss be brought at any stage of a civil proceeding? (British Columbia, Canada)
Does Section 15(5) of the BC Civil Code require a person not to commence, prosecute or defend a proceeding in any court, even without evidence of a fee, gain or reward? (British Columbia, Canada)
When counsel withdraws from a motion, does the trial judge need to question counsel as to their reasons? (British Columbia, Canada)
What is the test for a general release under which a plaintiff agrees to reduce support in exchange for receiving the proceeds of the sale of a house sale proceeds? (British Columbia, Canada)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.