Our Story, Your Success
We've been helping businesses navigate the complex world of international commerce for over two decades - and we're just getting started.
We've been helping businesses navigate the complex world of international commerce for over two decades - and we're just getting started.
Look, we're not gonna feed you some corporate fluff about being 'thought leaders' or 'industry disruptors.' We're a team of lawyers who genuinely love what we do - helping businesses grow across borders without getting tangled up in legal nightmares.
From a small two-person practice to one of Toronto's go-to firms for cross-border deals, we've come a long way. Here's how it happened.
Started with just two lawyers and a vision - help Canadian businesses think bigger than just domestic markets. Our first office? A cramped space on King Street with questionable heating.
Moved to Bay Street and brought on four more partners. The financial crisis taught us a lot about helping clients weather storms - some of our strongest relationships were built during those tough years.
Established partnerships with firms in 12 countries. This wasn't about having fancy letterhead - it meant we could actually help clients navigate deals from Toronto to Tokyo without breaking a sweat.
Named one of Canada's top corporate law practices. More importantly, we'd helped over 500 companies successfully complete cross-border transactions. That's what really mattered to us.
We're a team of 28 legal professionals working from Suite 2100, but we've kept that same energy from day one. Still hungry, still learning, still obsessed with getting it right for our clients.
We don't sugarcoat things. If a deal's gonna be tough, we'll tell you upfront. If there's a risk you haven't considered, you'll hear about it before you sign anything. Our clients appreciate straight answers more than carefully crafted legalese that doesn't actually say anything useful.
Yeah, it sounds cheesy, but it's true. We've turned down deals that would've made us money but weren't right for the client. We celebrate when your business grows because we know we played a part in making that happen. That's the kind of stuff that makes this job worth doing.
International business law isn't about finding the 'right answer' in a textbook - it's about crafting solutions that work in the real world. Different jurisdictions, different business cultures, different regulations. We've gotten pretty good at finding paths forward when others see dead ends.
Deals don't happen on a 9-to-5 schedule, especially when you're working across time zones. We're not saying we never sleep, but we are saying that when you need us, we're there. Late-night contract reviews before a morning signing? We've done plenty of those.
We could've grown faster, taken on more clients, hired faster. But we're picky about the work we take on and the people we bring onto the team. Every matter gets the attention it deserves, and every client knows their lawyer by name - not just a case number.
Hover over our photos to learn a bit more about each of us
Managing Partner
Been with the firm since 2006. Specializes in M&A deals and somehow still finds them exciting after hundreds of transactions. Speaks Mandarin fluently, which has saved more deals than she can count.
Fun fact: Makes killer dumplings and hosts an annual dumpling-making competition at the office.
Senior Partner
Our IP guy. If it involves patents, trademarks, or protecting your innovations across borders, Marcus is your person. Former engineer who switched to law - brings a practical perspective most lawyers don't have.
Fun fact: Holds three patents himself and plays bass guitar in a terrible cover band on weekends.
Partner, Compliance
Joined us in 2012. Corporate governance and compliance expert who makes boring regulatory stuff somehow manageable. Has an uncanny ability to predict what regulators will care about six months before they announce it.
Fun fact: Competitive chess player and teaches strategy sessions for the team using chess analogies.
Partner, Disputes
When things go sideways, David's the one you want in your corner. Specializes in commercial disputes and international arbitration. Tough negotiator but knows when to push and when to find middle ground.
Fun fact: Former varsity rugby player who still coaches a high school team. Brings that same competitive spirit to the negotiating table.
Partner, Contracts
Contract wizard. Elena's drafted and negotiated more international business agreements than anyone else in the firm. Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, which opens up Latin American markets for our clients.
Fun fact: Traveled to 47 countries and counting. Collects vintage maps and has an impressive collection in her office.
Partner, Transactions
Newest partner, joined in 2018. Specializes in cross-border investments and joint ventures. Has a background in finance that helps clients understand not just the legal side but the business implications too.
Fun fact: Marathon runner who's completed races on five continents. Brings that endurance to marathon negotiation sessions.
Canadian Legal Awards 2024
Recognized for excellence in corporate governance and cross-border transactions
Ontario Business Journal 2023
Acknowledged for handling complex merger and acquisition transactions with precision
International Law Review 2023
Voted by clients for outstanding service and results in international business law
Intellectual Property Magazine 2022
Honored for innovative approaches to cross-border IP strategy and enforcement
Global Business Law Review 2021
Celebrated for facilitating successful international business partnerships
Canadian Lawyer Magazine 2019
Named as one of Canada's fastest-growing corporate law practices
