Civitas Law
(647) 271-1646 Book a consultation
Toronto · Serving the GTA

Business Lawyer in Toronto

Practical legal support for Toronto entrepreneurs and small businesses, from incorporation to sale.

Book a consultationCall (647) 271-1646

30-minute consultation, $150 plus HST, paid when you book.

Business lawyer in Toronto reviewing a shareholder agreement Business Law
Overview

What a Toronto business lawyer handles

Businesses operating in Toronto can incorporate either provincially under Ontario's Business Corporations Act (OBCA) or federally under the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA), and the right choice depends on where and how the business plans to operate. Civitas Law helps entrepreneurs and small business owners choose the right structure, draft the agreements that govern their business relationships, and handle the contracts that keep day-to-day operations running smoothly.

We work with founders at the startup stage as well as established small businesses that need ongoing corporate and commercial support.

How we help

Business law services we handle in Toronto

Direct access to your lawyer at every stage, with clear, honest advice about your options.

Business incorporation

We incorporate businesses provincially under the OBCA or federally under the CBCA and prepare the required minute book documents.

Shareholder agreements

We draft shareholder agreements addressing ownership, decision-making, and exit terms between business partners.

Commercial contract drafting and review

We draft and review service agreements, vendor contracts, NDAs, and other commercial documents.

Business purchase and sale

We assist buyers and sellers with asset and share purchase transactions for small and mid-sized businesses.

Commercial lease review

We review commercial lease terms for small business tenants before they sign.

Corporate governance and minute book maintenance

We help ensure annual resolutions, share records, and corporate filings stay compliant and up to date.

Partnership and founder agreements

We draft agreements addressing roles, equity, and what happens if a business relationship ends.

Ontario context

How Ontario business law and the process work

A business incorporated in Toronto can choose between the Ontario Business Corporations Act and the Canada Business Corporations Act; OBCA incorporation is often simpler and cheaper to clear a name for, while CBCA incorporation offers stronger name protection nationally, which matters for a business planning to operate outside Ontario. Under either statute, directors and officers owe fiduciary duties to the corporation and must maintain a proper minute book, including articles, by-laws, share registers, and meeting resolutions, which matters for financing, sale, or a CRA audit down the line.

Commercial disputes that can't be resolved through negotiation are generally heard in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, including through its Commercial List for more complex matters in Toronto. Ontario's Business Corporations Act and general contract law principles govern most day-to-day commercial relationships, though businesses in regulated industries or with cross-border operations may also need to consider federal regulatory requirements.

FAQs

Questions Toronto clients ask about business law

Plain-language answers to the questions we hear most. Every matter is different, so treat these as a starting point.

Should I incorporate provincially in Ontario or federally?
If you plan to operate only in Ontario, provincial incorporation under the OBCA is often simpler and less expensive; if you plan to operate across Canada or want stronger name protection nationally, federal incorporation under the CBCA may be worthwhile. We discuss your business plans to help you choose the right structure.
How much does it cost to incorporate a business in Toronto?
Government filing fees are a few hundred dollars, but total costs including legal fees for articles, a minute book, and initial resolutions vary depending on the complexity of your share structure and ownership arrangement. We provide a clear quote before starting the incorporation.
Do I need a shareholder agreement if it's just me and one business partner?
Yes, a shareholder agreement is especially important with a small number of owners, since it sets out what happens if a partner wants to leave, disagrees on direction, or passes away, situations that can otherwise lead to costly disputes. We draft agreements tailored to your specific business and relationship.
Can a lawyer help me review a contract before I sign it?
Yes, and it's one of the most cost-effective ways to use a business lawyer, since identifying a problematic clause before signing is far cheaper than resolving a dispute afterward. We review contracts and explain the practical risk in plain language.
What's the difference between a corporate lawyer and a commercial lawyer?
A corporate lawyer typically focuses on a company's internal structure and governance, while a commercial lawyer focuses on contracts and deals with outside parties, though many small business matters involve both. We handle both sides of this work for our clients.
Do I need a lawyer to buy or sell a small business?
It's strongly advisable, since a business purchase or sale involves due diligence, a purchase agreement, and closing steps that carry real financial and legal risk if handled incorrectly. We guide both buyers and sellers through this process from letter of intent to closing.
What does a business lawyer do?
A business lawyer advises companies and business owners on matters such as incorporation, contracts, commercial agreements, shareholder arrangements, and general compliance with business law. They help structure a business properly, review or draft agreements, and advise on disputes that may arise with customers, suppliers, or partners.
Do I need a lawyer to start a small business in Toronto?
A lawyer is not legally required to start a small business, since a sole proprietorship or incorporation can be filed directly through government services. Many owners still use a lawyer to choose the right structure, draft founding agreements, and avoid problems that are far costlier to fix later on.
What is the difference between a sole proprietorship and a corporation in Ontario?
A sole proprietorship has no legal separation between the owner and the business, so the owner is personally liable for its debts, while a corporation is a separate legal entity that generally limits an owner's personal liability. Incorporation also affects taxation and how the business can raise funds or be sold.
What does a small business lawyer do for a Toronto startup?
A small business lawyer helps a startup choose a structure, incorporate, draft founder and shareholder agreements, and review the commercial contracts and leases the business needs to operate. They also help keep corporate records current, which matters later for financing, adding partners, or selling the business.
Related help

Related business law services and guides

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Contract, debt, property and commercial disputes.

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Ready to talk?

Straightforward legal advice from a Toronto lawyer.

30-minute consultation, $150 plus HST, paid when you book. Personal injury matters start with a free 10-minute case review with the lawyer. Consultations are confidential.

Book a consultationCall (647) 271-1646