Our Practice Areas

We've spent years getting our hands dirty in the trenches of international business law. Each practice area here represents real battles we've fought and won for clients navigating the messy world of cross-border deals. No fluff, just the expertise you actually need when things get complicated.

Corporate Law & Business Formation

Setting up a business entity across borders isn't just paperwork - it's about choosing the right structure that won't bite you later. We've helped dozens of companies incorporate in Canada while maintaining operations abroad, and honestly, the devil's in the details.

What we actually do:

  • Navigate federal and provincial incorporation requirements without the headaches
  • Structure holding companies for multi-jurisdictional operations
  • Draft shareholder agreements that prevent future disputes (learned this the hard way)
  • Handle corporate governance and board compliance
  • Sort out partnership agreements and joint ventures
  • Manage corporate restructuring when your business outgrows its original setup

We're not gonna sugarcoat it - this stuff gets complicated fast, especially when you're dealing with multiple countries. But that's exactly why you need someone who's done it before and knows where the pitfalls are.

International Trade & Customs Compliance

Cross-border trade regulations change faster than you can keep up. One wrong classification code and you're looking at delays, fines, or worse. We've been through enough customs audits to know exactly what triggers red flags and how to avoid 'em.

Real-world services:

  • Import/export compliance programs that actually work in practice
  • CUSMA (USMCA) and trade agreement optimization - yeah, we use the proper acronym now
  • Tariff classification and valuation strategies
  • Dealing with CBSA and foreign customs authorities on your behalf
  • Export controls and sanctions compliance (this one's gotten way more complex lately)
  • Supply chain restructuring to reduce duties and streamline clearance

Look, customs isn't sexy, but it can make or break your margins. We've saved clients six figures annually just by restructuring their import processes legally and smartly.

Mergers & Acquisitions Advisory

M&A deals are where fortunes are made or lost in the fine print. We've shepherded transactions from the first handshake through closing, and the stories we could tell... Let's just say due diligence isn't optional, it's survival.

How we guide deals:

  • Comprehensive due diligence that uncovers what sellers don't wanna tell you
  • Deal structuring for tax efficiency and liability protection
  • Negotiating purchase agreements, earn-outs, and indemnities
  • Cross-border transaction coordination (this gets hairy with multiple jurisdictions)
  • Competition Act and foreign investment reviews in Canada
  • Post-closing integration support and dispute resolution

Every M&A deal has its surprises - we've just seen enough to anticipate most of 'em. Whether you're buying, selling, or merging, we'll make sure you're not the one left holding the bag when issues surface.

Intellectual Property Protection

Your IP is probably worth more than you think, and it's definitely more vulnerable than you'd like. We've dealt with everything from trademark squatters to patent infringement cases across multiple countries. Protection isn't one-size-fits-all.

Protecting what's yours:

  • International trademark registration and portfolio management
  • Patent strategy and prosecution coordination (working with patent agents)
  • Copyright protection and licensing agreements
  • Trade secret and confidential information safeguards
  • IP due diligence for transactions and investments
  • Enforcement actions and infringement litigation support
  • Technology transfer and licensing negotiations

Here's the thing - IP protection is an investment, not an expense. We help you figure out what's worth protecting and where, so you're not wasting money registering everything everywhere while leaving gaps in the markets that actually matter.

Contract Negotiation & Drafting

A solid contract is your first line of defense when things go sideways - and they will eventually. We don't do boilerplate; every agreement gets tailored to your actual situation, business model, and risk tolerance. Generic templates from the internet? That's asking for trouble.

Agreements we handle:

  • International sales and distribution agreements
  • Supply chain and procurement contracts
  • Joint venture and strategic partnership agreements
  • Employment and independent contractor agreements (cross-border gets tricky)
  • Service agreements and master service agreements
  • Licensing, franchising, and technology transfer deals
  • Non-disclosure and non-compete agreements that'll actually hold up

We negotiate from a position of understanding what matters and what's just posturing. And when we draft, we write in plain language that makes sense - legal doesn't have to mean incomprehensible, despite what some lawyers think.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

Regulations are multiplying like rabbits, and ignorance isn't a defense. We keep clients out of hot water by building compliance programs that fit their operations - not some theoretical ideal that looks good on paper but nobody follows.

Keeping you compliant:

  • Anti-corruption and anti-bribery compliance (CFPOA, FCPA, UK Bribery Act)
  • Data protection and privacy law compliance (PIPEDA, GDPR, etc.)
  • Industry-specific regulations across sectors
  • Corporate compliance audits and remediation plans
  • Risk assessment and mitigation strategies
  • Compliance training programs for your team
  • Government investigations and regulatory responses

The regulatory landscape changes constantly, and penalties have gotten serious. We help you build systems that scale with your business and actually get implemented - because a compliance program that nobody follows is worse than useless.

Featured Practice Area

International Business Law:
Where Our Expertise Really Shines

We're not generalists pretending to know international law - this is what we do, day in and day out. Cross-border transactions, multi-jurisdictional compliance, international contracts... it's complicated stuff, and that's exactly why you need specialists.

Over the years, we've navigated deals spanning North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond. We understand the cultural nuances, the legal differences, and the practical realities of doing business across borders. It's one thing to read about international law in a textbook; it's another to have actually closed deals in multiple countries and time zones.

150+
Cross-Border Deals
25+
Countries
15+
Years Experience
Discuss Your International Needs
Legal consultation

How We Actually Work With Clients

We're not the type to bill you for every five-minute phone call or send cryptic emails in legalese. Our approach is straightforward - we learn your business, understand what you're trying to accomplish, and give you practical advice that makes sense for your situation.

No Unnecessary Complexity

We explain things in plain English. If we can't explain it simply, we probably don't understand it well enough ourselves.

Transparent Billing

You'll know what things cost upfront. We offer fixed fees for many services and detailed estimates for everything else.

Actually Responsive

We return calls and emails promptly. Shocking concept in the legal world, but we think it's basic professionalism.

Industries We've Worked With

International business law cuts across every sector. We've represented clients in diverse industries, and each one teaches us something new. Here's where we've spent considerable time:

Technology & Software

SaaS, fintech, AI companies dealing with data transfer and licensing

Manufacturing & Trade

Supply chains, import/export, distribution networks across borders

Professional Services

Consultancies, agencies, and service firms expanding internationally

Investment & Private Equity

Cross-border investments, fund formation, deal structuring

Let's Talk About Your Specific Needs

Every business situation is different. Instead of trying to guess which practice area fits your needs, why not just have a conversation? We'll listen to what's going on and tell you honestly whether we're the right fit.

Schedule a Consultation Call (416) 555-7829