KNOWLEDGE CENTRE

There’s an absurdity at the heart of legal billing: the more efficient you are at your job, the less you earn. In other words, the faster you solve a problem, the less you can bill for it.

In previous posts, I shared my thoughts on “Big Law's” attrition crisis, retention failures, and the entrepreneurial paradox that drives away the best talent. This week: proof there is a better way. After 15 years in “Big Law,” I built Outsiders Law on four key principles.

Over the last few weeks, I've covered “Big Law's” attrition and retention crises. This week: the structural flaw that makes partnership impossible for those best suited for it.

We care about your mental health. Here's a mindfulness app. Now go bill 2,000 hours." Big Law offers yoga while maintaining the exact structure causing burnout. Lawyers show stress at 1,200 billable hours—yet firms demand 1,700-2,000 annually.

According to HR Law Canada, 47% of Canadian professionals report burnout, with legal professionals among the hardest hit. That's up from 33% in 2023. Nearly half who left “Big Law” cited burnout or stress.  The trend is accelerating.

If you’re drafting a shareholder agreement, think carefully about whether a shotgun clause is right for your situation. Because once you pull that trigger, you’d better be prepared for whatever comes next.

Tag-along or drag-along? Most shareholders have no idea what these mean until it's too late. When a majority shareholder wants to sell, minority shareholders can get left behind, stuck with new owners they never chose, or forced to sell at terrible terms.

In my experience, most business relationships show cracks within 12 to 24 months. That's when you realize the other person isn't the right fit. That they're—let's be honest—not a Monet. And yet, most entrepreneurs wait until after that point to think about shareholder agreements.

After years of practicing law, it still surprises me that the number one reason shareholder agreements fail is that most companies simply don't have one.

What is the minimum number of directors a charity or NPO can have in Canada? This short post answers this frequently asked question.

Understanding share structures in Canada can be a complicated task, so we've simplified it! Check out our latest blog post to learn more!

Having smooth operations and conflict resolution among shareholders is critical. With that being said, how does a company achieve clear, enforceable agreements among shareholders, and how are their interests protected? Unanimous Shareholder Agreements ( “USAs” ) often include specific clauses to manage the sale of shares and control over the company. Two important clauses are the tag-along (piggyback) and drag-along provisions. These two provisions will be the primary focus

This post discusses the legal requirements for naming a corporation in Canada, as well as how these elements can impact your name selection.

This article discusses incorporating a business in Canada, and how to properly structure a business corporation.

Just as a prenuptial agreement sets the terms for marriage, a Unanimous Shareholder Agreement (“ USA ”) functions as a "business prenup," defining the rules and expectations among shareholders. Managing a successful corporation requires active decision-making, balancing competing priorities, and detailed organizational planning. Often, as businesses grow rapidly, organizational planning can be overlooked. Disputes can occur unexpectedly for any number of reasons, such as ill

Do you want your other shareholders to be able to sell their shares to people you don’t know? What happens when one of you wants out of the business? What if one of your business partners is getting a divorce? Do you want their former spouse to be involved in your business?   Unanimous Shareholder Agreements (the “ USAs ”) are essential agreements where more than one shareholder is involved in a business. Clearly setting out your rights and obligations is key to your busines

Are you thinking of starting a business in Canada?  Curious about which corporate structure would be best for you? Read on!