Building partnerships through honest legal work since 2008
Started this firm back in '08 when the economy was tanking. Everyone said we were crazy. Maybe we were. But we saw companies desperate for straightforward legal advice without the corporate BS. So that's what we built - a place where you can actually understand what your lawyer's saying and why it matters for your bottom line.
Three lawyers, one shared office, and way too much coffee. We opened our doors right when the market crashed - perfect timing, right? Turned out small businesses needed us more than ever.
Added our first junior associates. Finally moved to Bay Street after outgrowing that cramped Queen West space. Started handling bigger M&A deals - learned a ton, made some mistakes, got better.
Decided to stop being generalists and do what we're actually good at. Doubled down on corporate work and commercial litigation. Lost some clients, gained better ones who needed real expertise.
Like everyone else, figured out how to work remotely. Honestly? Some clients prefer virtual meetings. We kept the office though - sometimes you need that war room when things get complicated.
Fifteen lawyers, support staff who actually know what they're doing, and clients across Canada. Still learning, still growing, still drinking too much coffee.
We're here to make business law less painful. Simple as that. You've got enough on your plate running a company - you shouldn't need a law degree to understand your own contracts. Our job is translating legal complexity into actionable business strategy. We handle the regulations, the paperwork, the courtroom drama when it comes to that. You focus on what you're good at.
No legal jargon unless it's necessary. No padding billable hours. If something's gonna cost you fifty grand in legal fees for a five grand problem, we'll tell you. Yeah, we've turned down work because it didn't make sense for the client. Sounds crazy but that's how you build trust. You'll always know where you stand with us - the good, the bad, and the "well, this could go either way."
We don't dabble. Corporate law and commercial litigation - that's our lane and we stay in it. Our lawyers actually read case law updates over breakfast (yeah, we're those people). When regulations change, we've usually already war-gamed how it affects our clients. Experience matters, and between us we've got centuries of it. Okay, that sounds dramatic, but you get the point.
You're not just a file number. We actually care how your business does because when you succeed, we've done our job right. We'll push back when you're making a risky call, celebrate when the deal closes, and be there at 11pm when something urgent hits. Some of our first clients from 2008 are still with us - that tells you something about how we work.
Managing Partner
Co-founded this place with Sarah back when we were young and dumb. Twenty years doing M&A work, most of it here in Toronto. Used to work at one of those giant firms - hated it. Figured there had to be a better way to practice law. Turns out there was. When I'm not reviewing contracts, I'm probably on a bike trail somewhere or arguing with my kids about their music taste.
Senior Partner, Litigation
I'm the one who ends up in court when things go sideways. Been litigating commercial disputes for eighteen years - you learn a lot about business when you see what makes deals fall apart. Started my career at the AG's office, went private, then joined Mike to build something different. Don't let the courtroom stuff fool you though - I'd rather negotiate a settlement than bill you for a trial any day.
Partner, Corporate Law
Joined the firm in 2013 after doing corporate governance work at a bank. Made partner in '17 when we decided to specialize. I handle most of the compliance stuff and corporate structuring - basically the unsexy but super important work that keeps companies out of trouble. My thing is making complex regulations actually understandable. Also the only partner who can keep the office plants alive.
Partner, IP & Employment
Newest partner - got promoted last year. I do all things IP and employment law, which keeps me plenty busy. Used to work in-house at a tech company, so I get how fast things move in the real world. Clients appreciate that I've been on their side of the table. Outside work? Marathon runner and true crime podcast addict. Yes, the irony of a lawyer loving crime shows isn't lost on me.
Of Counsel
The wise old guy who's seen it all. Thirty-five years practicing law, mostly corporate transactions. Semi-retired but still comes in to mentor associates and handle the really complicated deals. He's forgotten more about securities law than most lawyers will ever know. Also tells the best courtroom stories from back in the day. We're lucky to have him around.
Senior Associate
Contract specialist and probably the most detail-oriented person you'll ever meet. Nothing gets past her - like, nothing. Been with us for six years, partner track for sure. Does a ton of negotiation work and honestly she's better at it than most partners I've seen elsewhere. When she's not redlining agreements, she's either at the climbing gym or experimenting with sourdough recipes.
Corporate Law
Multiple Associates
Boutique Firms 2025
Full Accreditation
Recommended Firm
Good Standing
Companies we've worked with over the years