Business Law Services
Team Leader: Debbie Bellinger
Running a business comes with opportunities and responsibilities. Whether you’re starting a new venture, expanding, or navigating day-to-day decisions, understanding the legal landscape can help you operate confidently and avoid unnecessary risks.
Our team works with companies of all sizes, from small family-owned businesses to established organizations, non-profits, and professional practices. We focus on giving practical, clear advice that helps you make informed decisions at every stage of your business’s life cycle.
As an Ottawa‑based firm, we have decades of experience supporting local and regional businesses. And because businesses rarely face issues in isolation, our clients also benefit from the combined strength of our cross‑practice teams, including:
- Employment law For hiring, terminations, contracts, policies
- Intellectual property For brand protection, trademarks, licensing
- Real Estate and Development For commercial sales and development
- Estates law For business succession planning
- Family law For matters that can affect business ownership, including separation or marriage contracts
Employment law
For hiring, terminations, contracts, policies
Intellectual property
For brand protection, trademarks, licensing
Real Estate and Development
For commercial sales and development
Estates law
For business succession planning
Family law
For matters that can affect business ownership, including separation or marriage contracts
How we support
Business Formation and Structuring
Choosing the right structure is an important early step. We help business owners understand the differences between sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and professional corporations. Our team assists with setup, registrations, shareholder agreements, and governance frameworks so your business starts with a stable foundation—or is restructured to meet evolving needs.
Contracts and Commercial Agreements
Clear contracts help reduce risk and prevent disputes. We assist with drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of agreements, including service contracts, supplier agreements, partnership arrangements, commercial leases, and licensing agreements. Our goal is to make sure you understand the terms, obligations, and long-term implications before you sign.
Mergers, Acquisitions, and Business Sales
Buying or selling a business involves due diligence, negotiation, regulatory compliance, and careful documentation. We guide clients through each step, helping them understand the transaction, evaluate risks, prepare agreements, and ensure the deal aligns with their long-term goals.
Corporate Governance and Advisory Support
Strong governance supports stability and reduces the likelihood of internal disputes. We assist with board governance, conflict-of-interest considerations, policy development, director obligations, and general compliance issues. Our lawyers also serve as ongoing advisors for businesses that need occasional or regular legal guidance.
Franchising, Licensing, and Intellectual Property
Many growing businesses rely on their brand and intellectual property. We work closely with our IP team to help you protect trademarks, technology, and creative assets, and to structure licensing or franchise arrangements that support sustainable expansion.
Non‑Profit and Charity Support
Non-profit organizations and charities operate under specific legal requirements. We assist with governance, charitable registration, compliance obligations, fundraising rules, employment matters, and operational policies tailored to the unique realities of the sector.
Municipal, Land Development, and Zoning
Real estate and development projects often require navigating municipal regulations, zoning rules, and approval processes. We provide guidance on compliance, planning matters, and the legal considerations attached to property development and land use.
International Business and Market Entry
For businesses expanding beyond Canada, we help clarify cross-border considerations, contractual obligations, intellectual property protection, and regulatory requirements. Through our membership in the Lexwork International network, we can connect clients with trusted legal professionals in other jurisdictions when needed.
Class Action Defence
Businesses facing class actions may need support with risk analysis, evidence gathering, defence strategies, and settlement negotiations. Our litigation team works with our business lawyers to help organizations manage both legal and reputational considerations.
