Corporate

At HMD Avocats, our expert corporate lawyers specialize in business incorporation, contract negotiation, and strategic corporate management for growth.

Corporate Lawyers for Businesses

At HMD Avocats, our expert corporate and commercial lawyers specialize in provincial and federal business incorporation, guiding you through every stage from startup to ongoing corporate management. We handle the drafting, reviewing, and negotiating of agreements and contracts, serving both startups and established businesses seeking enhanced organization. Our goal is to provide robust protection and strategic positioning for your business, ensuring its success and growth.

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Business & Corporate Law Services Overview

Start-Ups & Incorporation

Business Incorporation (provincial and federal)

Establish your company in Quebec or anywhere across Canada with confidence by having our experienced lawyers manage the incorporation process. Whether you choose to incorporate under the Canadian Business Corporations Act (CBCA) or the Quebec Business Corporations Act (QBCA), our team will guide you through each option’s benefits and drawbacks, tailored to your business objectives. Contact our expert business lawyers today to make an informed decision and build a strong foundation for your business’s success.

Corporate Minute Book

A minute book is a crucial formal record-keeping document for corporations, detailing essential information about your company’s governance and activities. Our services include creating a minute book for new incorporations or reconstructing it for existing corporations that are missing this vital documentation. We ensure that all corporate decisions are accurately recorded, safeguarding your business and ensuring compliance. 

Incorporation for Professionals

Whether you’re a physician, dentist, pharmacist, optometrist, denturist, veterinarian, psychologist, architect, or any other regulated professional, incorporating your practice can unlock significant benefits while also introducing specific obligations and responsibilities. Our expert team manages the entire incorporation process, ensuring your corporate structure meets the precise regulations and compliance standards for your profession. 

Business Registration in Quebec

Incorporating your business in Quebec simplifies the process, as registration is automatic upon submitting your incorporation application. For sole proprietors using their own name, registration is optional unless you’re involved in retail tobacco or tanning salons. However, if you operate under a different business name, registration is mandatory. Even if registration is optional, potential clients might still expect it before engaging your services. While you can manage registration on your own, it’s highly recommended to consult a lawyer. A legal expert can provide essential guidance, advise you on the necessary steps, and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Incorporation for Not-for-Profit Organizations

Bring your mission to life with our expert incorporation services for not-for-profit organizations. We manage the entire process, including filing, governance setup, and securing tax-exempt status, ensuring your organization is fully compliant with legal requirements. Our comprehensive support positions your not-for-profit for success, allowing you to focus on making a meaningful impact in the community. 

Converting a Sole Proprietorship into a Corporation

Simplify the transition from a sole proprietorship to a corporation with our expert business lawyers. We offer comprehensive guidance through the entire conversion process, from dissolving your sole proprietorship to establishing your new corporate entity. Our legal team ensures your corporate structure is set up correctly to align with your business objectives. Explore the benefits of incorporating and let us assist you in making this crucial shift for your business growth and success. Contact us today to start the transformation!

Contracts

Employment Contract 

Our lawyers specialize in drafting employment contracts customized to the specific needs of your industry, ensuring compliance with Quebec labor laws and regulations. Well-defined and precise employment contracts can mitigate legal risks and streamline your hiring process. Whether you require contracts for temporary foreign workers, Canadian employees, or permanent residents, our expert services will help you establish clear and compliant employment relationships. Contact us today to protect your business with professionally drafted employment contracts that adhere to Quebec’s legal requirements.

Independent Contractor Agreement

Our Independent Contractor Agreement services are tailored for businesses engaging independent contractors or service providers. We work closely with you to clearly define the agreement’s terms, meticulously draft the contract, and thoroughly review it to ensure alignment with your objectives and legal standards. Trust us to create robust agreements that safeguard your business and meet all regulatory requirements.

Non-Disclosure Agreement (unilateral or bilateral confidentiality agreement)

Protecting sensitive information is crucial for maintaining your competitive edge and safeguarding valuable business assets. Our legal team specializes in drafting Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) that are meticulously tailored to your specific needs and fully compliant with all relevant laws. We ensure that every NDA features clear, precise, and well-structured terms to prevent misunderstandings and potential disputes. Partner with us to develop an NDA that delivers the security and peace of mind necessary for focusing on the growth of your business.

 

Partnership Agreement

We recognize that a meticulously crafted agreement is crucial for ensuring clarity and protection in any partnership. Our expert team addresses key components such as roles, responsibilities, profit-sharing, decision-making processes, and dispute resolution mechanisms. By precisely defining these elements, we help prevent misunderstandings and conflicts, providing a solid foundation for the success of your partnership.

Shareholders’ Agreement

Our comprehensive shareholders’ agreements are essential for clearly defining shareholder rights, responsibilities, and expectations. These agreements help manage potential conflicts and ensure smooth, efficient business operations. With our expertise, you can establish a solid foundation for your company’s governance and shareholder relationships, promoting alignment and operational effectiveness. Trust us to create a detailed and legally sound shareholders’ agreement tailored to your business needs.

Commercial Lease

Whether you’re a tenant or landlord of commercial property, we can assist you in negotiating a lease that prioritizes business interests, aiming for long-term stability and an equitable balance of rights and responsibilities for both parties. Commercial leases are intricate agreements, typically spanning many years, with considerable legal consequences—such as rent calculations (gross vs. net lease), insurance requirements, and compliance with environmental, municipal, and other regulations.

Legal Translation

We provide specialized legal translation services for agreements, contracts, and other legal documents between French and English. Our team of experienced lawyers, while not certified translators, offers expert legal knowledge to ensure your documents are translated with the highest level of precision and accuracy. Whether handling international contracts, cross-border agreements, or other legal texts, we meticulously preserve every detail, maintaining the integrity and intent of the original content. Contact us to ensure accuracy and reliability in the translation of your legal documents.

What exactly does a business immigration lawyer in Canada?

Hiring a lawyer to draft business contracts ensures legal protection, expertise, and efficiency. Lawyers bring experience, legal knowledge, negotiation skills, and dispute resolution capabilities. They save time, avoid costly mistakes, and allow you to focus on running your business. Contact us today to ensure your contracts are solid and safeguard your interests.

Why Choose HMD Avocats?

We provide expert corporate and business law services, delivered by top Quebec lawyers with a focus on precision and detail. Our meticulous approach ensures every case is handled with care, achieving successful outcomes for clients. Accessible online from anywhere, we offer competitive rates and transparency with no hidden fees. We proudly serve businesses across Quebec, including in:

  • Montreal
  • Quebec City
  • Sherbrooke
  • Gatineau
  • Laval
  • Longueuil
  • Salaberry-de-Valleyfield
  • Brossard
  • Terrebone
  • Pointe-Claire
  • Boucherville
  • Vaudreuil-Dorion
  • Dollard-des-Ormeaux
  • Trois-Rivières
  • Granby
  • Saguenay
  • Drummondville
  • Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
  • Saint-Jérôme
  • Sorel-Tracy
  • Saint-Eustache

FAQ

What is the difference between incorporating a business and registering it?

A registered or sole proprietorship business is one where you are the sole owner and there is no legal distinction between you and your business. This means you are personally liable for all profits and losses. It is the most straightforward and cost-effective way to start a business.

In contrast, incorporation establishes a more complex legal structure. It creates a separate legal entity distinct from its owners. This separation protects the personal assets of the shareholders from the company’s financial risks.

What are the benefits of incorporating a business?

The advantages of incorporating a business vary based on individual goals, but some common benefits include: potentially lower tax rates compared to sole proprietorships, easier access to financing and capital, opportunities for business growth and expansion, reduced personal financial risk for shareholders, continuation of the business beyond the owner’s departure or death.

What are the key differences between federal and provincial incorporation?

The choice between federal and provincial incorporation largely depends on your business goals and future plans. If your business will be confined to Quebec, provincial incorporation is usually the best option. However, if you intend to operate across Canada or internationally, federal incorporation might be more suitable. This decision affects various legal and regulatory aspects. For instance, federal incorporation requires that at least 25% of the company’s directors be Canadian residents, whereas Quebec does not impose such residency requirements. Additionally, a company incorporated in Quebec must ensure that its name complies with the French Language Charter, which is not a requirement for federal incorporation.

Team at HMD Avocats

Are you looking for someone to help?

info@hmdavocats.ca Mon – Fri 09:00-17:00