Watson Goepel’s Business Law Group provides strategic and practical legal support to businesses in Vancouver and throughout British Columbia. As a mid-sized firm with deep roots in the local business community, we help owners, executives, and in-house counsel address both day-to-day legal questions and complex, transformational projects.
Our Vancouver business lawyers work with clients at every stage of growth. Whether you are incorporating a new venture, restructuring an existing enterprise, or preparing for a sale, we focus on clear, timely advice so you can make informed decisions and stay focused on running your business.
Watson Goepel’s Business Law Team is ready to provide strategic, comprehensive legal solutions so you can focus on growing your business. To connect with our Vancouver business lawyers today, call (604) 688-1301 or contact us online.
Our Business Law Experience At Watson Goepel
Our Business Law Group advises on a wide range of corporate and commercial matters for businesses operating in British Columbia and beyond. Clients include closely held corporations, family businesses, professional corporations, franchisors and franchisees, real estate developers, transportation companies, and international enterprises with interests in B.C.
Our team works closely with Watson Goepel lawyers in related areas such as corporate law, commercial law, cannabis law, aboriginal law, and immigration matters. This integrated approach will help ensure that your legal strategy reflects regulatory requirements, commercial objectives, and long-term planning.
When disputes arise, our business lawyers collaborate with the in-house business disputes team to address shareholder conflicts, contract claims, and other contentious matters through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation if required.
Legal Support For Every Stage Of Your Business Development
Start-Up And Early Growth
Entrepreneurs and early-stage companies often need guidance on incorporation, ownership structure, and initial financing. Our Vancouver business lawyers regularly help new ventures choose appropriate structures under the Business Corporations Act, prepare shareholder agreements, and put core contracts in place.
For many emerging businesses, our business start-up package provides a practical bundle of key documents, such as shareholder agreements and non-disclosure agreements, tailored for use in Vancouver and British Columbia.
Expansion And Financing
As your business grows, our team can help you navigate expansion in a measured and legally sound way. We advise on new equity and debt financing arrangements, working closely with our commercial financing and lending and finance groups to offer clients robust legal support.
We can also assist with strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and franchising, drawing on the experience of our franchising and government relations practices when your business interacts with regulators or operates in a highly regulated sector.
Maturity, Succession, And Exit
Established businesses often need to plan ahead for leadership changes, ownership transitions, or the sale of the company. Our lawyers have years of experience advising on reorganizations, management buyouts, and other strategic transactions. We frequently coordinate with our wills, estates, and trusts and real estate groups when business succession planning involves family trusts, real property holdings, or intergenerational transfers.
Corporate And Commercial Business Services We Provide in Vancouver
Corporate Structuring, Incorporations And Governance
A solid corporate structure is the foundation of effective risk management and tax planning. Our Vancouver corporate lawyers assist clients with incorporations and continuances under the British Columbia Business Corporations Act, as well as reorganizations and restructuring.
Our team regularly prepares shareholder, partnership, and joint venture agreements that clarify rights and responsibilities among owners. We also advise directors and officers on governance practices, corporate records, and compliance with requirements administered by BC Registries and Online Services.
Contracts, Commercial Transactions And Financing
Commercial contracts are central to managing risk and preserving relationships. We help businesses in Vancouver and across B.C. prepare, review, and negotiate a wide variety of agreements, including supply and distribution contracts, services agreements, and technology or licensing arrangements.
When clients need to secure premises or expand their footprint, our Vancouver commercial lawyers work closely with our commercial real estate and conveyancing teams on leases and related property issues.
Mergers, Acquisitions, And Reorganizations in Vancouver
Buying or selling a business, or reorganizing an existing structure, can significantly affect owners, employees, and other stakeholders. Our Vancouver business lawyers can advise on asset and share purchases, mergers, amalgamations, and corporate reorganizations for tax and succession planning.
We also monitor legislative changes that affect security interests and commercial transactions, including developments in the law of commercial liens. Our Business Law Group can help you understand how new regimes, such as the emerging commercial liens framework in British Columbia, may apply to your business.
Working With A Multidisciplinary Vancouver Business Law Team
A key advantage for clients who work with Watson Goepel LLP is their access to our multidisciplinary team of lawyers who understand how business law interacts with other areas of the legal landscape. To ensure our clients receive tailored, full-service legal guidance, our Business Law Group regularly coordinates with colleagues in:
- Workplace Law
- Immigration
- Wills, Trusts & Estates
- Real Estate
- Litigation & Dispute Resolution
- And additional areas of expertise
In 2026, a variety of our lawyers have been recognized in publications such as Best Lawyers in Canada™, Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch™, and Best Law Firms™ Canada. This recognition reflects both subject-matter knowledge and our deep commitment to client service.
Through our membership in Lawyers Associated Worldwide, we can also help clients connect with trusted firms in other provinces and countries when cross-border or multi-jurisdictional issues arise.
Frequently Asked Questions About Business Law In British Columbia
Do I Need A Lawyer To Incorporate A Company In B.C.?
You do not technically need to hire a lawyer to incorporate. Individuals can file incorporation documents directly through provincial services such as BC Registries and Online Services. However, the Business Corporations Act sets out detailed rules about share classes, directors, corporate records, and transparency registers.
Many clients choose to work with a Vancouver business lawyer to ensure their corporate structure and documentation match their short and long-term goals, and to reduce the risk of conflicts among shareholders or directors later on.
What Types Of Businesses Does Watson Goepel LLP Work With?
We act for a broad range of businesses in Vancouver and across British Columbia, including:
- Closely held and family-owned companies
- Professional corporations
- Real estate developers
- Transportation companies
- Retailers
- Hospitality businesses
- Technology and digital services providers
- And more
We also assist international companies that are investing or operating in B.C.
Can You Help If My Business Is Already In A Dispute?
Yes. If you are already facing a dispute, such as a disagreement among shareholders, a contract claim, or a conflict with another commercial party, we can help you understand your options. Our Business Law Group works closely with our business disputes and litigation and dispute resolution teams to pursue negotiation, mediation, or arbitration where appropriate, and to represent you in court if litigation becomes necessary.
How Are Your Business Law Services Billed?
Fee structures vary depending on the nature and complexity of the work. Some services, such as standard incorporations or certain transaction steps, may be suitable for flat or staged fees, while other matters are billed on an hourly basis.
We are committed to discussing fees with you at the outset, so you have clear expectations before proceeding. The information on this page is general only and is not legal advice; the best way to understand likely costs in your situation is to speak with a member of our Business Law Group about your particular circumstances.
Can You Assist With Cross-Border Or International Business Issues?
In many cases, yes. Our Vancouver business lawyers regularly advise foreign companies with operations in British Columbia and B.C. companies expanding into other jurisdictions. When needed, we draw on our membership in Lawyers Associated Worldwide to connect clients with reliable counsel in other provinces and countries. We may also involve our immigration and transportation teams in cross-border matters when appropriate, depending on the nature of your business.
Connect With Our Vancouver Business Law Team
If you are looking for practical, business-focused legal support, our Vancouver business lawyers are ready to help. We will take the time to understand your goals and provide straightforward guidance tailored to your industry, risk profile, and stage of growth.
You can reach us by:
- Calling (604) 688-1301 to speak with a member of our Business Law Group
- Using our secure Contact Us form to request a consultation
We proudly serve businesses in Vancouver, West Vancouver, Surrey, and communities across British Columbia. Contact Watson Goepel today to discuss how our Business Law Group can support your next steps.
