Business lawyers for people building something
From incorporation to exit, on a project or retainer basis.
We are business lawyers for people building something — whether that is a first business plan in a diary or a company that has been running for twenty years and now needs to restructure, sell, or bring on a partner. Our clients range from solo entrepreneurs and small business owners to established medium-sized companies and not-for-profits.
Before we advise, we take the time to learn how the business actually runs — who is involved, how decisions get made, and what is really at stake. That means advice that fits your business and vision, and counsel that is candid about what you do not need, not just what you do.
Not every business needs a full-time lawyer on staff, and most do not need one from day one. We work on a retainer or project basis, so you get experienced counsel when something actually needs it — without the overhead of hiring in-house.
Areas of support include
- Negotiating, buying, selling, incorporating, or restructuring a business, including share and asset transactions
- Setting up a new business, including choosing the right structure and getting the paperwork right the first time, and winding one up or dissolving a partnership when the time comes
- Employment law foundations for new and growing businesses: contracts, policies, and compliance from the first hire onward
- Managing terminations, severance negotiations, and wrongful dismissal defence
- Responding to human rights complaints and tribunal proceedings
- Supporting internal investigations, or serving as an independent external investigator
- Representing charitable and not-for-profit organizations
- Advising on governance and board level issues, and policy compliance review
- Drafting and reviewing agreements, including shareholder agreements, leases, franchise agreements, joint ventures, consulting agreements, and e-commerce agreements
The business lifecycle
From start to exit, counsel at every stage
Most businesses move through four broad stages. We meet you wherever you are and carry the relationship forward.
01
Start
Structure, incorporation, and shareholder agreements
- Choosing the right structure — sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation
- Incorporation and founding documents done right the first time
- Shareholder agreements that prevent future disputes
02
Grow
Contracts, first hires, and policies
- Commercial agreements — leases, franchises, joint ventures, consulting
- Employment contracts and workplace policies from the first hire
- Compliance foundations that scale with the business
03
Change
Restructuring and bringing on new partners
- Restructuring to reflect a new stage of growth
- Bringing on partners or investors with clear terms
- Updating shareholder and governance arrangements
04
Exit
Buyouts, sales, and dissolution
- Partner buyouts and ownership transitions
- Selling the business — share and asset transactions
- Winding up or dissolving a partnership when the time comes
Who we work with
Businesses and organizations across Ontario
We work with people and organizations at every stage — from a founder with an idea to an established company planning its next move.
- Entrepreneurs launching a first venture
- Small and medium-sized businesses
- Health practices and professional firms
- Not-for-profits and charities
Monthly retainer options
Counsel on a retainer, without the overhead
Two retainer levels for businesses that want a familiar lawyer on call. Project-based work is also available — see our fees for more.
Essentials
Up to 5 hours a month
- Day-to-day legal questions as they arise
- Contract review and drafting within the monthly hours
- Guidance on governance and compliance
- A familiar lawyer who knows your business
Growth
Up to 10 hours a month
- Everything in Essentials, with more capacity
- Employment contracts, policies, and terminations
- Restructuring, partner arrangements, and transactions
- Priority response for time-sensitive matters
Talk to a lawyer about your business
Reach out for a consultation and we will help you find the right next step — whether you are starting, growing, changing, or exiting.
Book a consultation