Caught in Between: Conflicts Issues in Closely Held Company Disputes

Author: Danny Urquhart
Current to: March 2026

Disputes within closely held companies can quickly place lawyers in difficult territory. When shareholders or directors become divided, questions often arise about who the corporation’s counsel truly represents—and whether acting for multiple parties is still possible as the conflict escalates.

Now available through CLEBC’s Courses on Demand, our newest Practice Point, “Caught in Between: Conflicts Issues in Closely Held Company Disputes,” was prepared by Danny Urquhart of Olthuis van Ert and was originally presented as part of CLEBC’s Commercial Litigation course.

This practical paper examines the challenges that emerge when corporations become entangled in disputes between competing shareholder or director factions, where the corporation’s legal duties and interests may not align with either side.

Designed for commercial litigators and lawyers advising closely held companies, this Practice Point explores the legal and strategic risks associated with representing multiple parties in shareholder disputes, including potential disqualification and liability concerns.

Get this free paper now and navigate such conflicts of interest in high-stakes corporate litigation with both care and clarity.

 

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