Corporate Governance & Compliance
Look, staying compliant isn't sexy, but it's what keeps you out of hot water. We help set up governance structures that actually make sense for your operation.
What This Really Means
We've seen too many companies get tripped up by board meeting minutes they never kept or policies that exist only on paper. Our approach is pretty straightforward—we build compliance frameworks you can actually follow without hiring three extra people.
- Board structure and director duties (the stuff that matters, not just formalities)
- Corporate records maintenance that won't drive you crazy
- Regulatory compliance roadmaps for multiple jurisdictions
- Internal policy development that your team will actually read
- Risk assessment and mitigation strategies
Recent Win
Helped a mid-sized tech company restructure their governance before a Series B round. The investors actually commented on how clean everything was—saved about 3 weeks of due diligence headaches.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Buying or selling a business is probably the biggest deal you'll ever do. We've been through this process dozens of times, and yeah, it's complicated—but we know how to get it done.
How We Handle Deals
There's always that moment in a transaction where everything feels like it might fall apart. We've learned that getting deals closed is part legal work, part psychology, and part just knowing when to push and when to let things breathe.
- Buy-side and sell-side representation (we've done both plenty)
- Due diligence coordination—finding the issues before they bite you
- Deal structuring for tax efficiency and risk management
- Purchase agreement negotiation and drafting
- Post-closing integration support
- Asset purchases, share purchases, mergers—whatever structure fits
Deal Highlight
Closed a $47M acquisition for a manufacturing client last quarter. The seller's financials were a mess, but we structured earnouts and holdbacks that gave everyone confidence. Deal closed on time, which almost never happens.
Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Sometimes things go sideways and you end up in a fight. We'd rather settle when it makes sense, but when it doesn't, we're ready to go the distance.
When Disputes Get Real
Litigation is expensive and unpredictable—we're upfront about that. Our job is to give you realistic assessments and strategic options. We've won cases we probably shouldn't have and lost ones we thought were slam dunks. That's just how it goes.
- Breach of contract disputes (these are like 60% of what we see)
- Shareholder and partnership disputes
- Fraud and misrepresentation claims
- Injunction applications when you need to stop something now
- Mediation and arbitration (usually faster and cheaper than court)
- Class action defense
- Appeals when the trial court gets it wrong
Notable Resolution
Defended a client in a $12M breach of contract case. We found an obscure clause in a related agreement that completely changed the case. Settled for less than 10% of the claim amount just before trial.
Contract Negotiation & Drafting
Contracts are where deals either work smoothly or blow up years later. We write them so they're clear, enforceable, and actually protect your interests when things change.
Getting Contracts Right
We've read thousands of contracts over the years. The worst ones are either so vague they're useless or so complex nobody actually understands them. Good contracts find the balance—detailed where it matters, flexible where you need it.
- Commercial agreements of all types (supplier, customer, distribution)
- Partnership and joint venture agreements
- Licensing and franchise agreements
- Non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements
- Service level agreements and statements of work
- Terms of service and end-user agreements
- Contract review and risk analysis for deals you're entering
Smart Drafting
Drafted a master services agreement for a tech client that's now been used for over 200 customer contracts. Built in flexibility saved them from renegotiating every time their service offering evolved.
Intellectual Property Protection
Your IP is often worth more than all your physical assets combined. We help protect it, license it, and defend it when someone steps over the line.
Protecting What Makes You Unique
IP law intersects with almost everything we do—M&A deals, employment agreements, commercial contracts. We don't file patents (that's specialist work), but we handle the business and litigation side of IP better than most.
- Trademark registration and brand protection strategy
- Copyright registration and enforcement
- Trade secret protection and confidentiality programs
- IP licensing agreements and royalty structures
- Technology transfer agreements
- IP due diligence for transactions
- Infringement claims (both sides of the table)
Protection Success
Helped a software company shut down a competitor who was basically cloning their interface. Got a permanent injunction and a settlement that paid for their next development cycle.
Employment Law & Labour Relations
Employee issues can tank a company faster than almost anything. We help you hire right, manage fairly, and part ways legally when needed.
Managing the People Side
Employment law has gotten incredibly complicated. What was fine five years ago might be a lawsuit today. We stay current on the changes and help you navigate this stuff without paranoia but with proper protection.
- Employment contracts and executive agreements
- Non-compete and non-solicitation clauses (tricky in Canada)
- Workplace policies and employee handbooks
- Termination advice and wrongful dismissal defense
- Human rights complaints and workplace investigations
- Workplace harassment and discrimination matters
- Union negotiations and collective bargaining (when needed)
- Executive compensation and equity arrangements
Crisis Management
Guided a client through a sensitive executive termination that could've turned into a PR nightmare. Clean separation, tight confidentiality, no litigation. Sometimes boring outcomes are the biggest wins.
