What do I need a business lawyer for?

One of the most common misconceptions many people have about hiring a lawyer is that lawyers are mostly useful after problems have arisen - to settle disputes or to go to court. However, it is equally important (if not more important) to hire a lawyer before you are about to incorporate a business, draft your Will, form a company with your business partners, sign a contract with another party etc.... - having a lawyer before problems float onto the surface not only saves hundreds of dollars on legal fees compared to having to resolve the problems afterwards, it also gives you the peace of mind when matters can be simply left in the hands of a legal professional to handle on your behalf. After all, to prevent a problem from occurring is far less stressful and far more economic than to deal with a problem. 

So what is a "business lawyer"?

A "business lawyer" or a "corporate lawyer" generally refers to a lawyer who primarily works for corporations and represents business entities of all types. These include sole proprietorships, corporations, associations, joint venture and partnerships. Typically business lawyers also represent individuals who act in a business capacity (owners-managers, entrepreneurs, directors, officers, controlling shareholders, etc.). Further, business lawyers also represent other individuals in their dealings with business entities (e.g. contractors, subcontractors, consultants, minority shareholders, employees). 

You should seek a business lawyer if you or your company are . . .

- Starting a new business; (partnership, sole proprietorship or corporation)
- Issuing shares, stocks, options, warrants or convertible notes;
- Hiring your first employees (i.e. employment agreement);
- Negotiating a new lease;
- Acquiring another business;
- Reorganizing your affairs to save taxes (i.e. family trust, holding company, etc.)
- Transferring your business to you children and/or employee (Section 86 – Estate Freeze)
- Selling your company;
- Succession planning; (estate planning, estate freeze, primary and secondary will, etc.)
- Planning to create and develop new ideas, products and services;
- Seeking to resolve internal disputes. (i.e. shareholders agreement);
- Any other business/legal issues

Do I need a business lawyer?

A business lawyer can advise you of the applicable laws and help you comply with them.
A business lawyer can help steer you away from future disputes and lawsuits.
A business lawyer can help protect your tangible and intangible assets.
A business lawyer can help you negotiate more favourable business transactions.

Having a business lawyer can also project positively on your business. Further, an established relationship with a business lawyer can be invaluable when you need to turn to someone who knows your business for quick legal guidance.

Over the years, I have realized that many small businesses have genuine concerns about lawyers running up large tabs for unwanted, unnecessary or questionable work. Hence, I am extremely sensitive to that concern and actively work with you to control legal costs. I believe it is in both our interests to discuss the scope of work and the costs involved before I provide any legal services.

For any questions on the above, please contact Hugues Boisvert at hboisvert@hazlolaw.com, or call the office at 613-747-2459, ext. 304.