The Founders' Lawyer
Startup Lawyer in Toronto
Fixed-fee legal services built for Toronto founders. No billable-hour surprises, no jargon, no games. Just straightforward legal work from a lawyer who actually understands startups.
Toronto's startup scene deserves a different kind of lawyer
Toronto is one of the fastest-growing tech ecosystems in North America. From the MaRS Discovery District to the growing clusters in Liberty Village and the Waterfront, founders here are building world-class companies. But too many of them are getting legal advice from firms that were designed for a completely different era.
Traditional Toronto law firms bill by the hour, take weeks to return a call and wrap everything in language that requires a translator. That model doesn't work when you're moving fast, watching every dollar and need clear answers to make real decisions.
wires/law was built for you. Founded in 2013 by John Wires, we're a Toronto-based business and technology law firm that works exclusively with founders, startups and technology companies. We use fixed fees for most of our work, we communicate in plain English and we actually pick up the phone.
What We Help With
Legal services for Toronto startups
From day one to Series A and beyond, we cover the legal work that founders actually need.
Incorporations
Federal and Ontario incorporations with proper share classes, a complete minute book, CRA business number registration and everything you need to be investor-ready from day one.
Learn more →Shareholder & Cofounder Agreements
Custom shareholder agreements and founders agreements that cover equity splits, vesting schedules, IP assignment, decision-making and what happens if a co-founder leaves.
Learn more →SaaS & Tech Contracts
Terms of service, software licensing agreements, API terms, data processing agreements and the full stack of legal documents your platform needs.
Learn more →IP Protection
IP assignment agreements, confidentiality agreements, contractor IP clauses and strategies to make sure what your team builds actually belongs to your company.
Learn more →Employment Agreements
Employment contracts, consulting agreements, non-compete and non-solicitation clauses, stock option plans and termination provisions that protect your business.
Learn more →Ongoing Counsel
As your startup grows, so do your legal needs. We serve as outside general counsel, handling everything from investment transactions to corporate governance and commercial disputes.
Learn more →Why wires/law
Why Toronto founders choose us
Fixed-Fee Pricing
You'll know exactly what your legal work costs before we start. No billable-hour anxiety, no surprise invoices at month-end. Budget with certainty.
Plain English
We explain things clearly. If you don't understand something, that's our problem, not yours. No legalese, no jargon walls, no "per the foregoing."
Tech-Native
We work with SaaS platforms, AI companies, e-commerce businesses and app developers every day. We understand your product because we live in your world.
Founder Speed
We return calls, respond to emails and turn work around on a timeline that respects the pace of your business. You won't be waiting three weeks to hear back.
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
How much does a startup lawyer in Toronto cost?
At wires/law, most startup legal work is quoted at a fixed fee before any work begins. A standard federal incorporation with a complete minute book, share issuance and CRA registration typically costs a fraction of what traditional Bay Street firms charge. We provide a quote upfront so you know exactly what you're paying. Book a free consultation and we'll give you a quote for your specific needs.
When should a Toronto startup hire a lawyer?
Ideally, before you incorporate. The decisions you make at incorporation — share classes, vesting, co-founder splits — are much harder (and more expensive) to fix later. If you already have a company, the next best time is now, especially before signing contracts, bringing on co-founders or raising money.
Do I need a Toronto-based startup lawyer?
You need a lawyer licensed in Ontario who understands Canadian corporate and technology law. wires/law is based in Toronto but operates virtually, serving founders across the GTA and beyond. You get the expertise of a Toronto technology lawyer with the convenience of a fully virtual practice.
Should I incorporate federally (CBCA) or in Ontario (OBCA)?
Federal incorporation (under the CBCA) gives you name protection across Canada and makes it easier to operate in multiple provinces. Ontario incorporation (under the OBCA) can be simpler if you only plan to operate in Ontario. Most Toronto startups that plan to scale choose federal incorporation, but the right choice depends on your specific situation. We'll walk you through the pros and cons during your consultation.
Free Download
The Law for Founders
Before you book a call, grab a free copy of our book. It covers everything Toronto founders need to know about business law — incorporation, equity, contracts, privacy and more — written in plain language by a lawyer who works with startups every day.