Incorporating federally or provincially, shareholder agreements, by-laws, and the legal structure that protects you from day one.
Commercial Contracts
Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts that protect your interests, supply agreements, service agreements, NDAs, and distribution deals.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Share purchases, asset acquisitions, due diligence, and post-merger integration for businesses at every stage of growth.
Business Advisory
Strategic legal counsel for founders and executives. We sit at the table with you and help you make decisions, not just document them.
Shareholder Disputes
Deadlocks, oppression remedies, and shareholder disputes handled efficiently, with litigation as a last resort, not a first instinct.
Global Strategy
International business establishment, cross-border transactions, and global mobility planning for companies entering or operating in Canada.
Your Team
The Team On Your File
Jay Choksi
Senior Counsel
Corporate and commercial matters with a specialist India Practice. Fluent in English and Gujarati.
Matthew Ram
Partner | Corporate & Entertainment Law
Over a decade advising businesses from startups to multinational corporations. Handles corporate structuring, commercial transactions, and entertainment law. Acts for production companies, talent, and distributors across Canada.
Monique Chanderpaul
Closing Manager, Corporate
Manages corporate closings, commercial transactions, and compliance documentation. Coordinates funds, registration, and filing for business and investment matters.
Jia Junaid
Commercial Lawyer
Advises on commercial contracts, corporate structuring, and regulatory compliance. Handles business transactions, partnership agreements, and commercial disputes.
We believe you deserve straight answers, not vague promises. Most matters qualify for a complimentary 30-minute virtual consultation.
What does a business lawyer do?
A business lawyer advises on corporate structure, contracts, compliance, transactions, and disputes, protecting your company at every stage of growth.
Do I need a lawyer to incorporate in Ontario?
You can incorporate without a lawyer but it is strongly advisable to have one structure your shareholder agreement, by-laws, and initial contracts correctly from the start.
How much does it cost to incorporate a business in Ontario?
Incorporation costs in Ontario typically range from $500 to $2,000 in professional fees, depending on complexity. This covers corporate filing fees (approximately $360 for Ontario corporations, $200 for federal), document preparation, and legal advice. Additional costs may apply for trademark searches, business license applications, or organizational meetings. At Lexaltico LLP, our corporate lawyers provide transparent pricing and can discuss cost-saving options during your free 30-minute consultation at 416-333-6200.
What is the difference between incorporating federally vs. provincially in Ontario?
A provincial incorporation under the Ontario Business Corporations Act (OBCA) operates only in Ontario and is typically simpler and less expensive. A federal incorporation under the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA) allows your company to operate across all provinces and territories with a single license. Federal incorporation costs slightly more but provides national scope and may be beneficial if you plan to expand beyond Ontario. Our corporate lawyers in Brampton, Milton, Mississauga, North York, and Oakville can advise which structure best suits your business plans.
Do I need a shareholders' agreement for my incorporated business?
Yes, a shareholders' agreement is highly recommended even for small corporations. It establishes clear rules for ownership percentages, decision-making, profit distribution, dispute resolution, and what happens if a shareholder wants to exit or dies. Without a formal agreement, Ontario law defaults to rules that may not match your intentions. This is particularly important for multiple-owner businesses to prevent costly disputes. Lexaltico LLP drafts customized shareholders' agreements that protect your interests and ensure smooth business operations.
What ongoing legal compliance is required after incorporating in Ontario?
After incorporation, you must maintain annual corporate records including minutes of shareholder and director meetings, keep a current shareholders' register, file annual reports with the Ontario government, comply with the Employment Standards Act when hiring employees, and maintain proper accounting records. The Business Corporations Act also requires you to hold annual meetings and update by-laws as needed. Lexaltico LLP offers ongoing corporate governance support to ensure your business stays compliant with all Ontario and federal requirements.
Important Notice: Contacting us does not establish a solicitor-client relationship. Such a relationship is only formed when the firm has expressly confirmed in writing its agreement to act on your behalf.
Free Consultation Disclaimer: The complimentary 30-minute consultation is available for most matters. For a small number of complex or multi-issue files, a nominal fee may apply. This will always be disclosed upfront and credited in full if you retain us. The consultation constitutes a general discussion only and does not constitute formal legal advice, nor does it establish a solicitor-client relationship.
* Response times may be longer when our lawyers are in trial, on statutory holidays or weekends, or in the event of unforeseen circumstances. We will always reply within 48 hours. For urgent matters, call +1 416 333 6200 . Answered 24/7.
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A 40% minority shareholder alleged oppression after being excluded from management decisions. Rather than proceeding to a contested s.248 OBCA application, we facilitated a structured buyout at fair market value, including a non-compete and orderly transition plan that preserved the business and its key relationships.
“I had the absolute pleasure of working separately with two lawyers from Lexaltico — Pooja Lassi and Matthew Ram — on different matters. The level of professionalism, expertise, and care demonstrated by each of them was consistently exceptional. They do not simply service your needs — they take the time to thoroughly understand your situation and proactively problem-solve.”
— SJR
★★★★★
“I had the absolute pleasure of working separately with two lawyers from Lexaltico — Pooja Lassi and Matthew Ram — on different matters. The level of professionalism, expertise, and care demonstrated by each of them was consistently exceptional. They do not simply service your needs — they take the time to thoroughly understand your situation and proactively problem-solve.”
— SJR
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Legal Notices & Disclaimers
No Solicitor-Client Relationship
Use of this website does not establish a solicitor-client relationship between you and Lexaltico LLP. Such a relationship is only formed when Lexaltico LLP has expressly confirmed in writing that it has agreed to act on your behalf. Until that confirmation is provided, no obligation of confidentiality exists.
Not Legal Advice
Information on this website is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Do not act on any information here without first consulting a qualified lawyer licensed in your jurisdiction. Lexaltico LLP disclaims all liability for actions taken or not taken based on this website's contents.
Confidentiality of Enquiries
Do not submit confidential information through this website or by email until a solicitor-client relationship has been confirmed in writing. Information submitted before that point will not be treated as confidential.
Law Society of Ontario — Regulation
Lexaltico LLP is regulated by the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) under the Law Society Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. L.8. All lawyers are members in good standing. Alberta matters are handled by lawyers licensed with the Law Society of Alberta (LSA).
Law Society of Alberta
Our Alberta-licensed lawyers are members in good standing of the Law Society of Alberta (LSA).
Immigration Regulatory Body — CICC
Immigration consulting services are provided by Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) in good standing with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) under the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants Act, S.C. 2019, c. 29, s. 292.
Estimator & Calculator Tools
The Severance Estimator and Estate Dispute Evaluator are for informational purposes only. Results are estimates and do not account for specific contractual terms, statutory provisions, or judicial discretion. These tools do not create a solicitor-client relationship. Always seek independent legal advice before making any legal decision.
Privacy — PIPEDA & CASL
Your personal information is protected in accordance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), S.C. 2000, c. 5 and Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL). We do not sell your information. Withdraw consent at any time: hello@lexaltico.com.
Free Consultation
Most matters qualify for a complimentary 30-minute virtual consultation. For a small number of complex or multi-issue files, a nominal fee may apply — this will always be disclosed to you upfront before any consultation takes place and will be credited in full toward your fees if you retain Lexaltico LLP. The complimentary consultation constitutes a general introductory discussion only and does not constitute legal advice. It does not create a solicitor-client relationship, and no duty of confidentiality arises until such a relationship has been formally confirmed in writing.
Referral Fees — LexKonnect
All referral fee arrangements comply with Rule 3.6-6 of the LSO Rules of Professional Conduct. Fees are disclosed to and consented to by the client. No arrangement impairs independent professional judgment.
Limitation Periods
Failure to commence proceedings within applicable limitation periods may permanently bar your claim. In Ontario, the general limitation period is two (2) years from discovery under the Limitations Act, 2002, S.O. 2002, c. 24, Sched. B. Seek legal advice promptly.
Past Results & Testimonials
Any client testimonials, case results, recoveries or outcomes referred to on this website are illustrative only. Past results are not necessarily indicative of future outcomes. Each legal matter turns on its own facts; the outcome of any particular matter cannot be guaranteed and depends on circumstances unique to that matter. No statement on this website should be read as a promise or prediction of any particular result.
