Meet Trupti

Trupti Panchal-Smit is a dynamic business, immigration, and trademark lawyer with over two decades of experience that spans the high-stakes world of Bay Street to the innovative frontier of startups. Called to the bar in 2002, Trupti’s career began during the dot-com boom, where she sharpened her skills on software development, licensing agreements, and new revenue models for e-commerce and internet-based businesses. Her journey has taken her through a fascinating mix of industries—from pharmaceuticals and biotech to IT and agri-tech—where she has consistently found ways to drive business success with her unique legal acumen.

Early on, Trupti’s passion for intellectual property led her to become a trademark agent specializing in licensing and prosecution. She thrived on the challenge of navigating complex cross-border transactions and distribution arrangements, particularly those involving IP licensing. Her expertise was soon sought after by one of Canada’s largest insurance companies, where she expanded her skills to include international tax and transfer pricing advisory services. This move set the stage for her role at RBC’s head office, where she managed over 400 cross-border business arrangements, ensuring compliance with arm’s length standards in IP and tax.

After a life changing event – becoming a mother- Trupti leveraged her Bay Street experience into consulting for startups in emerging industries like cannabis and agricultural technology. Thereafter, she transitioned to providing in-house counsel services, commercialization strategies, and expert guidance on financing and business deals, bringing the same level of strategic insight that marked her corporate tenure.

In the field of immigration law, Trupti combines her business, cross border, and regulatory compliance expertise to assist foreign business owners in expanding into Canada. By leveraging her skills in Canadian corporate formation and business immigration, she ensures that her clients navigate the complexities of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regulations with ease, making their transition to Canada smooth and efficient. Her integrated approach positions businesses for long-term success, ensuring compliance at every step.

Trupti’s legal journey is a testament to her adaptability and strategic mindset. She’s not just a lawyer; she’s a dealmaker who thrives on helping businesses scale and innovate. From advising on corporate governance to structuring high-stakes transactions, she brings a unique blend of legal prowess and business savvy that makes her an invaluable partner to growth-stage companies.

Trupti’s global perspective is further enhanced by her fluency in Gujarati and proficiency in Hindi, allowing her to connect deeply with her diverse clientele. She believes that every challenge is an opportunity to innovate, and she brings this mindset to every client engagement, always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Outside of work, Trupti is a meditation coach and avid gardener who finds joy in the cycles of growth and renewal, whether in her backyard or in the boardroom. She enjoys trail walks with her family, including their Golden Doodle, and draws inspiration from nature’s resilience—values she seamlessly weaves into her professional ethos. Trupti’s down-to-earth nature and zest for life make her not just a legal advisor, but a trusted ally on the journey to business success.