Frequently Asked Questions
Incorporations & Corporate Services
In a sole proprietorship, the owner and the business are considered a single legal entity. This means the owner is personally responsible for all debts, obligations and liabilities. A corporation, in contrast, is a separate legal entity. It offers limited liability protection and allows for more complex ownership structures, such as multiple shareholders. While incorporating involves additional setup and regulatory requirements, it can provide greater long-term flexibility, stability, and legal protection.
Incorporating your business creates a separate legal entity, which supports growth, structure and long-term business planning. It also provides limited liability protection, helping safeguard your personal assets in the event of legal action or financial difficulties facing the business. In addition, incorporation can offer strategic advantages such as tax planning opportunities and can enhance your credibility with clients, lenders and investors.
A registered office is the official address where your corporation receives legal and government correspondence. Registered office services ensure that important documents, such as notices, filings and legal claims, are received, recorded and handled without delay. Using a professional registered office helps protect your privacy, supports corporate compliance, and minimizes the risk of missing critical deadlines or regulatory updates.
Maintaining corporate compliance is essential to keeping your corporation in good standing. This includes filing annual returns, keeping records current, updating corporate minute books, and reporting any changes in directors, shareholders, or business structure. Legal One provides ongoing support with routine corporate maintenance, helping your business stay organized, compliant, and prepared for future developments.
Contract Drafting & Review
A contract review involves a detailed legal analysis of the terms, obligations, and potential risks within a contract. The review assesses the language for enforceability, alignment with your business goals, and identifies any missing provisions. It also flags unfavourable terms and outlines the legal implications in straightforward language so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the contract and your specific needs. Simple contract reviews can take one to two business days, while more complex agreements or custom drafting may require additional time. Clear timelines are provided up front, and the process is handled efficiently, while ensuring attention to detail throughout.
A contract is a legally binding agreement, and even small oversights can lead to significant disputes. Having a lawyer review your contracts helps ensure your rights are protected, the terms are reasonable, and the language accurately reflects your intent. Legal review also reduces uncertainty and helps prevent future issues, allowing you to move forward with assurance.
Securities & Corporate Finance
Securities law governs how businesses raise capital by issuing shares or other financial instruments. It regulates the offering, sale, and trading of securities to protect investors and ensure transparency in the marketplace. If your business plans to offer shares to investors or become a public company, compliance with securities law is essential. Failing to follow these rules can lead to penalties, legal disputes, or damage to your reputation. Understanding your obligations early can help you raise capital responsibly and reduce your legal and financial risk.
Corporate financing legal services are typically needed when your business seeks funding from external sources, such as loans, private investments, or equity offerings. Legal support helps ensure that financing terms are clearly defined, properly documented, and meet all legal requirements. You may also need legal advice when negotiating with investors, preparing disclosure documents, or managing shareholder relationships. The right legal guidance helps protect your interests and lay a strong foundation for sustainable business growth.
In-House Counsel Services
In-house counsel provides ongoing legal support directly to a business, helping manage day-to-day legal matters, reduce risk, and ensure alignment with applicable laws and regulations. This legal advisor becomes familiar with your operations, offering timely, strategic guidance on contracts, employment matters, governance, and other business-related issues. Having in-house counsel in place can improve efficiency, support decision-making, and help your business address legal matters proactively.
Not every business requires a full-time legal department. Many companies benefit from outsourced or part-time in-house counsel services, especially when legal support is needed on a regular basis but not at the level of a full-time role. Outsourcing provides access to experienced legal advice as needed, without the cost of hiring a permanent employee. This flexible option ensures you receive skilled, business-focused legal support tailored to your operations and resources.
Mergers & Acquisitions
A merger or acquisition typically begins with a strategic evaluation, followed by due diligence, negotiation of terms, and the preparation of formal documentation. The process may involve a letter of intent, a purchase agreement, regulatory approvals, and the transfer of shares or assets. Legal guidance is essential at each stage to ensure the transaction is properly structured, timelines are managed, and risks are identified and mitigated early.
Preparation begins with organizing your corporate records, financial statements, contracts, and employment agreements. Buyers will expect clear, up-to-date documentation and well-structured operations. It is also important to assess potential legal or financial liabilities, and to consider how your business will be valued. Early legal guidance ensures your business is well-prepared to support a smooth, efficient transaction.
Common legal challenges include unclear ownership structures, incomplete records, outstanding liabilities, regulatory issues, and employment-related concerns. Misaligned expectations between parties may also lead to disputes during or after the transaction. Proactive legal guidance helps manage these risks, protect your interests, and support a successful outcome.
Buy/Sell Agreements
A buy/sell agreement is a legally binding contract between business co-owners that outlines what happens if one owner wants to leave the business, passes away, or becomes unable to continue in their role. It sets clear rules for the transfer of ownership, share valuation, and funding arrangements. Having a buy/sell agreement in place helps prevent disputes, protects the interests of all parties, and ensures business continuity during unexpected changes.
Ideally, a buy/sell agreement should be created when the business is first formed, or as soon as multiple owners become involved. Waiting until a triggering event occurs, such as a disagreement, illness, or death, can make the process more complex and increase legal and financial risks. Creating this agreement early helps establish shared expectations and supports long-term business stability.
Buy/sell agreements are enforced according to the terms agreed upon by the parties and set out in the document. Enforcement may involve dispute resolution methods such as mediation, arbitration, or legal proceedings, depending on the language of the agreement. A well-drafted agreement clearly defines the resolution process, reducing uncertainty, and helping to avoid prolonged, resource-intensive conflict.
Employment
Employment law sets the legal foundation for the relationship between employers and employees. It covers essential areas such as hiring, wages, hours of work, workplace safety, termination, and employee rights. For businesses, staying compliant with employment law is crucial for managing risk, maintaining a respectful workplace, and making informed staffing decisions.
An employment contract should clearly outline the terms and conditions of employment. Key elements include job title and responsibilities, compensation, hours of work, benefits, vacation entitlement, termination provisions, and any confidentiality or non-competition clauses, where appropriate. A well-drafted contract protects both parties and helps reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings or disputes.
Circumstances where termination is lawful include providing proper notice, offering pay in lieu of notice, or establishing just cause, all of which depend on the specific facts of the employment relationship. Employers must comply with employment standards legislation and, in many cases, common law. Factors such as length of service, the terms of the employment contract, and the reason for termination affect your obligations. Legal advice can help ensure the process is handled fairly and in accordance with the law.
Yes. Written workplace policies provide clarity, promote consistency, and support compliance with legal requirements. Common policies address areas such as harassment, discrimination, health and safety, time off, remote work, and performance management. Up-to-date policies promote professionalism, encourage accountability, and help foster a respectful and productive workplace culture.