Corporate Legal Services, With a Personal Touch

Whether you’re a new entrepreneur, a growing small business or a seasoned professional in a regulated industry, we understand your unique needs.

We work with clients across British Columbia and have niched down our practice areas so that we are experts in what we do. Our proactive approach ensures that you achieve your current objectives and plan effectively for the future.

For Small Businesses + Entrepreneurs

Starting and running a business is challenging, but the legal aspects don’t have to be - that’s where we come in. Whether this is your first business or you’re running multiple companies, we’re here to assist you with tailored services and practical advice. 

We are experienced with all aspects of corporate and commercial law – from entity structuring and corporate reorganizations to the review and preparation of a variety of contracts and agreements.

  • Incorporating a provincial or federal company can provide many benefits, including limited liability for shareholders, potential tax advantages, and increased credibility and professionalism. We understand the importance of properly incorporating a company to ensure legal compliance and protection.

    The general process for incorporating a provincial company in British Columbia involves choosing a company name, appointing directors and officers, completing registration forms, and obtaining necessary licenses and permits. For federal companies, additional steps include obtaining a federal corporation number and filing articles of incorporation.

    Necessary documentation for incorporation includes the Articles of Incorporation, which outlines the company's name, business activities, share structure, and other essential details. Other required documents include a Notice of Registered Office and a Consent to Act as Director form.

    At our company, we understand the importance of complying with government regulations and can assist you in preparing and filing all necessary documentation. Our team can also help with any specific requirements based on your company's industry or business activities.

    For more information regarding BC corporations, please visit Government of BC.

    For more information regarding federal corporations, please visit CBCA.

    Contact us to learn earn more about the incorporation of a BC and Federal company.

  • The incorporation process for a holding company, also known as a Holdco, is similar to that of other companies, involving the selection of a company name, appointment of directors, issuing shares to shareholders, and filing with the BC Registry.

    However, a Holdco is typically incorporated to hold investments, versus conducting its own business activities. It is often added as a shareholder to an operating company (Opco).

    The benefits of setting up a Holdco include reduced tax liability through dividend income, as well as protection from liability from the Opco(s). Additionally, a Holdco can provide flexibility in managing investments and strategic planning for the Opco(s).

    We can assist you in determining whether a Holdco should be added to your corporate structure, and guide you through the process of incorporating a Holdco.

    Contact us to learn earn more about the incorporation of a holding company.

  • Reorganization and Restructuring of a company can serve various business needs, such as improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, maximizing profits, and responding to changes in the market or industry. Some specific reasons for corporate reorganization and restructuring in British Columbia include:

    • Creating a holding company to hold assets and manage investments

    • Altering the share structure or ownership of one or more companies to facilitate investment or succession planning

    • Transferring assets or shares between related companies to achieve tax efficiency or debt restructuring

    • Conducting an estate freeze to preserve the value of the business and minimize tax liability upon transfer of ownership.

    We provide guidance and support to help you determine the best strategy for your business needs and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

    We can work with your accountant to execute corporate reorganizations and restructures.

    Contact us to learn more about corporate reorganizations and restructures.

  • We can help you navigate the complex legal landscape associated with corporate governance matters. Our team is well-versed in the requirements and regulations set forth by the British Columbia Business Corporations Act.

    Examples of corporate governance matters that we can assist with include:

    • Document changes to share structure, directors, and shareholders of a company

    • Providing guidance on board structure and composition, including advice on the selection and appointment of directors

    • Advising on shareholder agreements, including different shareholder rights and dispute resolution mechanisms

    With extensive experience in corporate governance matters, we provide tailored legal advice and support to meet the specific needs of your business.

    We are committed to ensuring that your company is well-governed and positioned for long-term success.

    Contact us to learn more about how we can assist with your corporate governance needs.

  • If you're starting a business with one or more partners, it's important to have a shareholders' agreement in place. A shareholders' agreement outlines the rights and responsibilities of each shareholder, as well as how the company will be run and what happens if someone wants to sell their shares or leaves the company. It's like a roadmap for your business, and it can help prevent disputes and misunderstandings down the line.

    Our firm can help you review or prepare a shareholders' agreement that meets your specific needs and protects your interests. We’ll guide you through the process and make sure you have a solid agreement that works for everyone involved.

    Contact us to learn more about Shareholders’ Agreements.

  • Commercial leases can be complex and require careful review and preparation to ensure that both the tenant and landlord understand the terms of the agreement they are signing. A thorough understanding of the lease agreement is crucial for both parties to protect their interests and avoid potential disputes down the line.

    For tenants, it is important to ensure that the lease agreement accurately reflects their needs and expectations, while also considering their financial obligations and potential liabilities. On the other hand, landlords need to ensure that the lease agreement is legally sound and provides adequate protection for their property and investments.

    Whether you are a tenant looking to negotiate favourable lease terms or a landlord seeking to protect your property and investment, we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of commercial leases with confidence and peace of mind.

    Contact us to learn more about Commercial Leases.

  • When it comes to running a business, it's essential to make sure that your contracts and agreements are all set out in writing. A handshake and a verbal agreement might seem like enough, but without a proper written contract in place, things can quickly become confusing or even go wrong.

    At our law firm, we take the time to carefully review and prepare contracts and agreements that are tailored to the needs of each client. Whether you need help with drafting a contract from scratch or just need someone to take a look at an agreement before signing, let’s ensure you and your business are legally protected.

    Contact us to discuss your contract and agreement needs.

  • Corporate maintenance is a vital aspect of managing a British Columbia company. It involves fulfilling various obligations, such as filing annual reports and preparing annual resolutions, to ensure that your company remains in good standing with the BC Registry.

    Our firm acts as the Registered & Records Offices (a.k.a. R&R Offices) and manages the minute books of hundreds of companies. Our annual corporate maintenance services ensure that our corporate clients stay on top of their obligations in a timely and efficient manner.

    Contact us to learn more about our corporate maintenance services.

For Regulated Industry Professionals

Are you a professional service provider governed under a regulatory body? 

Whether it’s real estate, healthcare, accounting, law, or others – we can help. We understand how it feels to juggle everything in your practice while keeping updated on regulatory and compliance aspects. 

We ensure your corporate structure and legal documents meet all requirements of your governing body so that you can focus on running your business and servicing your clients. 

Not yet incorporated? Just like for small businesses and entrepreneurs, we can assist with the incorporation of your professional corporation.

Already have a professional corporation? We can assist with restructures, reorganizations, corporate maintenance, and anything else that you may need, while ensuring your corporation complies with your governing body’s rules and regulations. 

See how we can help your specific profession.

  • Incorporating a professional real estate corporation (“PREC”) in British Columbia requires adherence to specific regulations and requirements. We have extensive experience in guiding real estate professionals through the incorporation process. We can assist in ensuring that your PREC meets all necessary criteria, including licensing, registration, and compliance with the Real Estate Services Act and the BCFSA.

    We understand that incorporating a PREC can be complicated and time-consuming, which is why our team is dedicated to making the process as seamless as possible. Our law firm has set up many PREC structures in British Columbia.

    In addition to our incorporation services, we can also offer guidance on restructuring your PREC to add a holding company. We will work with you and your accountant to ensure that your PREC structure is set up in a way that best suits your needs.

    We understand that every real estate professional's needs are unique. That's why we personalize our services to ensure that your corporate structure works best for you.

    For more information regarding personal real estate corporations, please visit BCFSA.

    Contact us to learn more about Professional Real Estate Corporations.

  • A medical corporation (“Medco”) can offer several benefits, including tax advantages, limited liability protection, and increased flexibility in managing your practice. Incorporating a medical practice can be complex and overwhelming for doctors in British Columbia.

    The process of incorporating a Medco involves several steps, including choosing the appropriate legal structure, registering with the British Columbia Registrar of Companies, and obtaining necessary licenses and permits from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia. We will work closely with you to understand your specific needs and goals, and to help you choose the best incorporation structure for your practice. We'll handle all of the necessary paperwork and filings, and ensure that your incorporation meets all necessary legal and regulatory standards.

    As we are well-versed in the regulations set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia, we will ensure that your Medco complies with all applicable rules and guidelines.

    We understand the unique needs of medical professionals, and we are committed to providing you with personalized and comprehensive legal services throughout the incorporation process.

    With our help, you can rest assured that your practice is properly incorporated and positioned for long-term success.

    For more information regarding medical corporations, please visit CPSBC.

    Contact us to learn more about Medical Corporations.

  • Incorporating a dental corporation (“Dentco”) can be a complex and daunting process. We specialize in guiding dentists in British Columbia through the intricacies of the incorporation process, ensuring that all regulatory requirements set forth by the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (“BCCOHP”) are met.

    The incorporation process for Dentcos in British Columbia involves a number of steps, including the preparation and filing of Articles of Incorporation with the BC Registrar of Companies, obtaining a business license, and registering with the BCCOHP. We can provide assistance with each of these steps, as well as guidance on compliance with ongoing reporting requirements and other regulatory obligations.

    Dentcos will be subject to regulations set forth by the BC College of Oral Health Professionals. These regulations cover areas such as ownership, management, and financial reporting requirements. We will ensure that your Dentco is compliant with all applicable regulations and requirements.

    From advising on the appropriate share structure for your Dentco, to assisting with the drafting of bylaws and shareholder agreements, we are here to help you every step of the way.

    For more information regarding dental corporations, please visit CDSBC.

    Contact us to learn more about Dental Corporations.

  • If you are health professional looking to establish your own practice in British Columbia, there may be several reasons you may want to incorporate your practice. There are certain steps you'll need to take to ensure that you're compliant with the regulations set forth by your specific College and the Health Professionals Act.

    We specialize in assisting health professionals through the incorporation process, no matter what specialty it may be. Whether you're a physical therapist, optometrist, registered massage therapist, or any other type of healthcare provider, we understand that each health profession has its own unique requirements and regulations. We are here to provide tailored legal advice to meet your specific needs.

    We work closely with our clients to ensure that all the necessary steps are taken to incorporate their practices, including drafting articles of incorporation, obtaining necessary permits and licenses, and advising on tax implications. We also provide ongoing legal support to ensure that our clients remain compliant with the regulations set forth by their respective colleges and governing bodies.

    For more information regarding health professional corporations, please visit your specific health profession:

    Physical Therapists: CPTBC

    Registered Massage Therapists: CMTBC

    Optometrists: COBC

    Health Professions Act: HPA

    Contact us to learn more about your specific health profession.

  • If you're a professional accountant in British Columbia looking to incorporate your practice, you'll need to follow the guidelines set forth by the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC).

    Incorporating as a Professional Accounting Corporation (PAC) offers many benefits, including limited liability protection and potential tax savings.

    Some of the requirements for incorporating a PAC in British Columbia include:

    • At least one director who is a member of the CPABC

    • A name for your corporation that meets the requirements of the BC Corporate Registry

    • A registered and records office located in British Columbia

    • A completed and signed Articles of Incorporation

    Once your PAC is incorporated, you'll need to adhere to ongoing reporting and compliance requirements set forth by the CPABC and other regulatory bodies.

    Our team can help ensure that your PAC is incorporated properly and stays in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

    For more information regarding professional accounting corporations, please visit CPABC.

    Contact us to learn more about Professional Accounting Corporations.

  • Incorporating a Law Corporation is a great way for lawyers to structure their practice and protect their personal assets. It is also a requirement by the Law Society of British Columbia for lawyers who want to practice law through a corporation.

    The process of incorporating a Law Corporation in BC involves several steps, including the submission of an application to the Law Society of BC, meeting specific requirements, and complying with ongoing regulatory obligations.

    To begin the process of incorporation, you must first submit an application to the Law Society of BC, which will review your application and determine whether it meets the requirements for incorporation. The requirements include having at least one practicing lawyer as a director of the corporation, ensuring that the corporation's name complies with the Law Society's rules, and obtaining liability insurance.

    Once your application has been approved, you must complete additional steps, such as obtaining a business license and registering your corporation with the BC Corporate Registry. You must also comply with ongoing regulatory obligations, such as maintaining liability insurance and complying with the Law Society's rules of professional conduct.

    Our team will guide you through the process and ensure that all necessary steps are taken to meet the Law Society of BC's requirements for incorporation. We will also assist with drafting the necessary legal documents, including articles of incorporation and bylaws.

    For more information regarding law corporations, please visit LSBC.

    Contact us to learn more about Law Corporations.

Don’t see your profession listed above? Get in touch with us to chat.