Business law
Structure, protect, and grow your Alberta business
From incorporation under the Alberta Business Corporations Act to shareholder agreements and commercial contracts — practical legal support for Edmonton entrepreneurs and established businesses.
Overview
Starting or running a business involves legal decisions that affect your liability, taxes, and relationships with partners, employees, and customers. Choosing the right structure, documenting agreements clearly, and complying with Alberta corporate law from the outset can prevent costly disputes down the road.
Bhalla Law Offices advises entrepreneurs, small business owners, and professional corporations in Edmonton and across Alberta on incorporation, corporate governance, shareholder and partnership agreements, and commercial contracts. We work with your accountant and other advisors to ensure your legal structure supports your business goals.
Whether you are launching a new venture, bringing on a partner, or preparing for a sale or succession, we provide straightforward guidance under the Alberta Business Corporations Act, the Partnership Act, and applicable federal legislation — so you can focus on running your business.
Who it is for
- Entrepreneurs starting a new business and deciding between sole proprietorship, partnership, and incorporation
- Existing corporations needing shareholder agreements, bylaw updates, or annual maintenance and filings
- Professional practitioners forming professional corporations under Alberta regulatory requirements
- Business partners formalizing their relationship with a partnership or shareholders' agreement
- Small business owners reviewing commercial leases, service contracts, or vendor agreements
- Business owners planning succession or a sale of shares and needing legal documentation
What we help with
Alberta incorporations
Incorporating under the Alberta Business Corporations Act, including name reservations, articles of incorporation, initial resolutions, and corporate organization.
Shareholder agreements
Drafting agreements addressing share transfers, buy-sell provisions, dispute resolution, and governance for corporations with multiple shareholders.
Partnership agreements
Preparing partnership agreements under the Alberta Partnership Act that define contributions, profit sharing, decision-making, and exit terms.
Commercial contracts
Reviewing and drafting service agreements, supply contracts, independent contractor agreements, and terms of service for Alberta businesses.
Corporate maintenance
Annual resolutions, director and officer appointments, share transfers, and registered office and agent filings with the Alberta Corporate Registry.
Business succession planning
Coordinating corporate structure with estate planning so business interests transfer smoothly to successors or buyers.
How we work with you
- 01
Business assessment
We discuss your business model, ownership, liability concerns, and tax considerations — often in coordination with your accountant — to recommend an appropriate structure.
- 02
Structure and formation
We prepare and file incorporation or partnership documents, organize the entity, and issue initial shares or partnership interests as applicable.
- 03
Governance documentation
We draft shareholder or partnership agreements, corporate bylaws, and initial resolutions establishing how the business will be managed and how disputes will be resolved.
- 04
Commercial agreements
We review or prepare the contracts your business needs to operate — with employees, contractors, suppliers, and customers — tailored to Alberta law.
- 05
Ongoing support
We assist with annual corporate maintenance, changes in ownership, and legal questions that arise as your business grows or pivots.
Alberta law considerations
- Alberta corporations are governed by the Alberta Business Corporations Act and must maintain a registered office and registered agent within the province.
- Annual corporate maintenance — including annual resolutions and Corporate Registry filings — is required to keep an Alberta corporation in good standing.
- Professional corporations for regulated professions (lawyers, doctors, accountants, etc.) must comply with both the Business Corporations Act and the governing professional body's rules.
- Alberta partnerships may be general or limited partnerships under the Partnership Act; liability exposure differs significantly between structures.
- Federal incorporation under the Canada Business Corporations Act is an alternative to Alberta incorporation and may suit businesses operating across multiple provinces.
- Alberta's Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) governs how private-sector organizations in the province collect, use, and disclose personal information.
Common situations we see
- Two Edmonton entrepreneurs want to incorporate a new company and need a shareholder agreement before accepting outside investment
- A sole proprietor decides to incorporate to limit personal liability and achieve tax planning benefits recommended by their accountant
- A professional corporation needs updated bylaws and annual resolutions to comply with Alberta Corporate Registry requirements
- Business partners disagree about one partner's exit and need the buy-sell provisions in their shareholders' agreement enforced or clarified
- A small business owner receives a commercial lease for a new Edmonton location and wants a lawyer to review key terms before signing
- A business owner nearing retirement wants to transfer shares to a family member and needs coordination between corporate and estate planning documents
Frequently asked questions
Alberta incorporation is typically simpler and less expensive for businesses operating primarily within the province. Federal incorporation under the Canada Business Corporations Act may be preferable if you plan to operate nationally and want name protection across Canada. We review your plans and recommend the jurisdiction that best fits your needs.
A shareholder agreement is a contract among shareholders that supplements the corporation's articles and bylaws. It typically addresses share transfers, buy-sell triggers, dispute resolution, and governance. If your corporation has more than one shareholder — or you plan to bring in investors — a shareholder agreement is strongly recommended to prevent future conflict.
Alberta corporations must file an annual return with the Corporate Registry and maintain annual resolutions documenting director and officer appointments and other corporate actions. Failure to file can result in the corporation being struck from the register. We provide annual maintenance services to keep your corporation in good standing.
Yes. Sole proprietorship is the simplest structure and requires no incorporation, but you have unlimited personal liability for business debts and obligations. Many small businesses start as sole proprietorships and incorporate later when revenue, risk, or tax planning warrants it. We help you evaluate the right time to transition.
We advise on rights and obligations under partnership agreements, shareholder agreements, and the Business Corporations Act. Where disputes cannot be resolved through negotiation, litigation or arbitration may be necessary. We assess your position and recommend the most practical path forward, including referral to litigation counsel when appropriate.
Related services
The information on this page is general in nature and is not legal advice. Every matter depends on its facts. Contact Bhalla Law Offices to discuss your situation with a lawyer licensed in Alberta.