The Founders' Lawyer
Startup Lawyer for Canadian Founders
Virtual, fixed-fee legal services for founders across Canada. No billable hours, no legalese, no downtown office you need to visit. Just clear, practical legal work from a lawyer who builds with founders every day.
Traditional law firms aren't built for founders
If you've ever tried to get legal help for your startup from a traditional Canadian law firm, you already know the experience: a partner who bills $1,000 an hour and a junior associate who does the actual work.
That model was built for large corporations with in-house legal departments and deep pockets. It was never designed for a two-person startup that needs a shareholder agreement, a set of terms of service and an incorporation done properly — all without blowing through their seed round.
wires/law exists because Canadian founders deserve better. We're a virtual law firm that works exclusively with startups and technology companies. We use fixed fees for most of our work, we communicate in plain English and we operate at the speed founders actually move. Whether you're in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal or anywhere in between, we're set up to help.
What We Do
Legal services for Canadian startups
From incorporation to exit, we handle the legal work that matters at every stage of your company's growth.
Incorporations
Federal and provincial incorporations with proper share classes, complete minute books, CRA business number registration and an investor-ready structure from day one.
Learn more →Shareholder & Cofounder Agreements
Custom shareholder agreements and founders agreements covering equity splits, vesting, IP assignment, governance and exit provisions.
Learn more →SaaS & Technology Contracts
Terms of service, software licensing agreements, API terms, SaaS subscription agreements and the full stack of legal documents your platform needs to operate.
Learn more →E-Commerce & Marketplace Law
Website terms, app agreements, supplier contracts, distribution agreements and compliance for online retail and marketplace platforms.
Learn more →Privacy & Data Protection
PIPEDA compliance, privacy policies, data processing agreements, privacy officer support and cross-border data transfer compliance.
Learn more →Corporate Counsel & Advisory
Ongoing legal advisory, investment transactions (SAFE notes, convertible debt, equity rounds), employment contracts, corporate governance and dispute resolution.
Learn more →How We Work
Why a virtual practice works for founders
Anywhere in Canada
No need to find a lawyer in your city. We serve founders from coast to coast, advising on federal and Ontario law via video calls, secure document sharing and electronic signing.
Fixed-Fee Pricing
We quote fixed prices for most projects upfront. Know your legal costs before we start — no billable-hour anxiety, no surprise invoices.
24/7 File Access
Access your legal files anytime through our secure online portal. Documents are always available, organized and ready when you need them — not locked in a filing cabinet downtown.
Plain English
We explain things clearly so you can make informed decisions. No legalese, no jargon, no twelve-page memos that take longer to read than the contract they're explaining.
Who We Work With
Industries we serve
We work with technology-driven businesses at every stage, from pre-revenue to established companies.
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a startup lawyer in my own province?
For federal corporate law matters — incorporations, shareholder agreements, commercial contracts — you can work with a lawyer licensed in any Canadian province. wires/law is licensed in Ontario and advises founders across Canada on federal and Ontario law. For matters that require province-specific expertise (like provincial employment standards or local regulatory issues), we'll let you know and can refer you to local counsel if needed.
How much does a startup lawyer cost in Canada?
At wires/law, most startup legal work is quoted at a fixed fee before any work begins. This means you know your costs upfront — no billable-hour surprises. The cost depends on the scope of work, but we aim to be accessible to early-stage founders. Book a free consultation for a quote specific to your needs.
What's the best province to incorporate in Canada?
Most startups that plan to operate nationally or raise institutional capital choose federal incorporation under the CBCA. Federal incorporation gives you Canada-wide name protection and makes operating across provinces straightforward. If you plan to operate in only one province, provincial incorporation may be simpler. We'll walk you through the pros and cons during your consultation.
Can you help with US-facing contracts and cross-border work?
Yes. Many of our clients sell software and services to US customers. We regularly draft SaaS agreements, terms of service and commercial contracts that work for both Canadian and US markets. For matters that require US legal advice specifically, we can connect you with US counsel we trust.
At what stage should a Canadian startup engage a lawyer?
Ideally, before you incorporate. The decisions made at incorporation have long-term consequences for taxes, fundraising and co-founder relationships. But if you're past that stage, the next best time is now — especially before signing significant contracts, bringing on co-founders, hiring employees or raising capital.
Free Download
The Law for Founders
Everything Canadian founders need to know about business law — incorporation, equity, contracts, privacy and more — in plain language. Written by a lawyer who works with startups every day. Grab your free copy before your consultation.