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General Corporate Lawyer

At Pivot Law, we’re not just your run-of-the-mill legal eagles—we’re a team of savvy business enthusiasts who’ve been in your shoes. We get the whole commercial, corporate, and business law gig because we’re a business too across Edmonton. We’ve tackled the challenges of starting up and tackling the everyday ups and downs. When it comes to your business’s legal stuff, consider us your trusty corporate sidekick. No legal mumbo-jumbo here—we’re all about giving you straightforward advice that’s as easy to understand as your morning cup of coffee. Your best interests? We’ve got them at the top of our list.

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What is General Corporate Law?

General corporate law refers to the body of laws, rules, and regulations that govern the formation, operation, and dissolution of corporations. Corporations are legal entities that are created to conduct business activities, and they are distinct from their owners or shareholders. General corporate law encompasses a wide range of legal principles and guidelines that dictate how corporations should be structured, managed, and operated.

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Key Aspects of General Corporate Law

1. Incorporation Assistance:

We guide you through the process of creating a corporation as a legal entity. Our services include filing the necessary documents with the appropriate government authorities and specifying your company’s structure, purpose, and governance.

2. Corporate Governance Solutions:

Our expertise extends to developing a customized system of rules, practices, and processes for directing and controlling your company. We focus on optimizing relationships among your management, board of directors, shareholders, and other stakeholders.

3. Strategic Board of Directors Support:

Recognizing the pivotal role of the board of directors in corporate governance, we assist in the election of directors by shareholders. Our support extends to overseeing management and facilitating major decision-making on behalf of your company.

4. Protection and Enhancement of Shareholder Rights:

We prioritize the rights and responsibilities of shareholders, ensuring their voting rights, access to crucial company information, and the ability to share in profits through dividends.

5. Fiduciary Duty Expertise:

Our services encompass advising officers and directors on their fiduciary duties to the company and its shareholders. This includes upholding the duty of loyalty and the duty of care, ensuring actions align with the best interests of the company and its stakeholders.

6. Strategic Corporate Finance Solutions:

We navigate the intricacies of corporate finance, offering guidance on how to raise capital, issue stocks and bonds, and engage in various financial transactions within the bounds of regulations.

7. Mergers and Acquisitions Support:

Our expertise in corporate law extends to guiding you through the intricacies of mergers, acquisitions, and other structural changes. This includes navigating regulations governing shareholder approval of such transactions.

8. Thorough Compliance Management:

We help corporations stay compliant with diverse laws and regulations, including those related to securities, taxes, and the environment.

9. Efficient Corporate Dissolution Services:

When a corporation decides to cease operations, we provide support by guiding you through the legal procedures for the orderly winding up and dissolution of the entity.

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General Corporate Law

We can Help With

Partnerships & Incorporations

A partnership involves two or more parties sharing profits, losses and responsibilities. Partners may contribute capital, labour, skills and experience. If the business gets into debt, creditors may seize the personal assets of owners. Pivot Law guides businesses through the establishment of general partnerships, emphasizing their quick setup and flexible management structures.

Professional Corporations

Professional corporations (often abbreviated as PCs) are incorporated business structures that are specifically designed for licensed professionals. Like other incorporated entities, professional corporations separate their assets and debts from the personal belongings of their owners. Our legal team safeguards professionals from personal liability, segregating business assets and liabilities from personal belongings.

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Limited Partnerships

Unless the partnership agreement states otherwise, general partners are responsible for all debts and obligations of the partnership. Limited partners are only accountable for the amount of their investment in the company. Limited partnerships (LPs) and their unique features are expertly managed by Pivot Law. Our legal guidance ensures that general partners understand their responsibilities and liabilities, while limited partners benefit from pass-through entity status and individual tax returns.

Business Acquisitions

Business acquisitions can help companies gain a competitive edge and increase profitability. There are many types of business acquisitions, including statutory acquisitions, consolidations, and share or interest exchanges. Corporate law is designed to allow shareholders and managers flexibility in ordering their company's affairs. Pivot Law facilitates seamless transactions, balancing the flexibility of corporate law with the necessary legal frameworks.

Business Sales

Business acquisition is a major aspect of general corporate law. This area of law governs the creation, management and dissolution of businesses. In business sales, our legal support covers the entire spectrum of corporate law, addressing the creation, management, and dissolution of businesses. The creation of crucial documents such as memoranda of association and articles of incorporation is effectively handled by Pivot Law. Our corporate lawyers offer a blend of mandatory and enabling rules for managerial and shareholder flexibility.

Joint Ventures

A joint venture is an arrangement where two or more companies work together toward a common business goal. Companies can form a joint venture to access markets, share resources or reduce risk. The first monetary issue you and your partner will need to resolve is how profits will be allocated. A contractual joint venture is a flexible option that doesn’t require a separate legal entity to be created. Hire Pivot Law's lawyers with expertise in formulating detailed profit-sharing agreements. Whether contractual or involving a separate legal entity, our legal team ensures clarity and flexibility in joint venture arrangements.

Shareholder agreements

At Pivot Law, our legal experts create detailed shareholder agreements to govern share transactions and decision-making within corporations. These agreements, tailored to each client, define ownership percentages, and voting rights, and ensure a smooth process for share transfers, whether due to sale, death, or divorce. Our goal is to prevent disputes and provide clarity in multi-owner scenarios, safeguarding the interests of all involved parties.

Corporate governance

Corporate governance refers to the rules and procedures a company sets up for managing its internal affairs. These guidelines are often outlined in the company’s constitution and are designed to serve the needs of shareholders, employees, customers, and the community. Our corporate lawyers specialize in designing corporate governance structures that align with our client's objectives. Our legal team develops comprehensive guidelines embedded in company constitutions, focusing on shareholder, employee, and community needs.

Regulatory compliance

Regulatory compliance is the process of adhering to laws, regulations, guidelines, and specifications that are relevant to a business’s operations. This is a critical aspect of any business, and it helps to protect customers, employees, and investors from liability. Our legal professionals guide businesses in adhering to laws, regulations, and industry standards, protecting customers, employees, and investors. We stay ahead of regulatory changes, offering strategic insights to maintain compliance. By fostering a culture of adherence through clear expectations and periodic audits, we enhance employee productivity and protect against legal risks.

Succession planning

Succession planning is the process by which businesses prepare team members to assume critical leadership roles in the event of a sudden or unexpected transition. Beginning with C-Suite executives and extending to all organizational levels, our approach identifies high-potential talent, fostering growth through developmental plans and diverse, inclusive strategies. By planning for the unexpected and prioritizing leadership functions, we not only retain institutional knowledge but also promote organizational agility and employee engagement.

Tax planning

Tax planning is the process of reducing one’s taxes by using all available tax exemptions, rebates, and benefits. It also involves determining a taxpayer’s taxable income. This is important because it can allow the taxpayer to save money and avoid paying unnecessary taxes. Our legal professionals resolve the complexities of tax laws, identifying opportunities for exemptions, rebates, and benefits. By strategically determining taxable income, we help clients save money and minimize tax liabilities.

Hire Our Edmonton Corporate Lawyers

Elevate your business with the expertise of our Edmonton corporate lawyers at Pivot Law Office. Our legal services address potential challenges, ensuring your business is well-prepared for any issues that may arise. Our dedicated lawyers work closely with you, providing personalized solutions that align with the unique needs and scale of your business. For comprehensive corporate and commercial law services, connect with our Edmonton business lawyers today.

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FAQs

How Can I Acquire a Business in Edmonton?

Acquiring a business involves thorough research, financial analysis, and negotiation. Start by identifying potential businesses for sale, assessing their financial health, and conducting due diligence to uncover any potential risks. Seek professional advice from Pivot Law to ensure a smooth transaction. Financing options, such as loans or investor partnerships, should be explored based on the business's valuation and financial capacity.

How Can I Start a Business in Edmonton?

Starting a business in Edmonton requires a well-thought-out plan. Begin by identifying a niche or market gap, conducting market research, and creating a detailed business plan outlining your goals, target audience, and financial projections. Secure funding through personal savings, loans, or investors. Register your business, obtain necessary licenses, and establish a strong online and offline presence through effective marketing strategies. Surround yourself with a competent team and be prepared to adapt to market changes.

What Should I Do if I Want to Sell a Business in Edmonton?

When selling a business, preparation is key. Ensure financial records are in order, and the business is operating at its best. Determine a fair valuation and seek our professional assistance for an accurate assessment. Market the business discreetly to maintain confidentiality and negotiate terms with potential buyers. Our legal and financial experts in Edmonton can guide you through the legalities of the sale, ensuring a smooth transition and the best possible outcome.

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