Corporate & CommercialLawyer referralRegulatory approvals and compliance

Trade sanctions and anti-corruption compliance policy

A compliance policy and training outline for exporters and other businesses facing sanctions and foreign bribery rules.

Timing depends on the deal, the other parties and any government approvals; the lawyer confirms the steps in writing before work starts. Ontario Done by an Ontario lawyer, by referral

What is included

  • Identifies the laws, regulators and licences that apply to your plans
  • Prepares applications, notifications and supporting materials
  • Reviews policies, labels, terms or bids for compliance
  • Responds to questions or concerns from the regulator
  • Explains your ongoing reporting and compliance duties

What is not included

  • Government filing, search and registration fees and other disbursements
  • Tax, accounting or valuation advice, unless the lawyer agrees to provide it
  • Disputes or litigation that arise later
  • Work by NEO Legal Services: NEO is a paralegal firm and only makes the referral

Who this service is for

  • Businesses that need a licence, approval or notification
  • Importers, exporters and retailers with compliance questions
  • Companies preparing government bids or regulatory reports

Information to have ready

  1. 1A description of the business activity, products or transaction
  2. 2Any correspondence from the regulator
  3. 3Existing licences, permits or policies
  4. 4Relevant contracts and supply-chain information

How a referral works

  1. 1Tell us in a few words what the matter is about, and who else is involved, so we can check for a conflict of interest.
  2. 2We recommend an Ontario lawyer for your matter, and at least one other you could choose instead.
  3. 3The lawyer runs their own conflict check, confirms the scope and quotes the fee, normally in a written retainer agreement.
  4. 4You pay the lawyer's fee to the lawyer. Any referral fee comes out of it, is disclosed to you in writing, and never increases what you pay.

NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm, not a law firm. Every step of a referral, and your rights

Frequently asked questions

What does the lawyer charge?

A typical Ontario fee for this service is $3,000–$10,000, plus HST. The lawyer quotes the actual fee before any work starts. You pay the lawyer directly; the referral itself costs you nothing.

Should I involve my accountant?

Often, yes. Many corporate steps, such as share structures, reorganizations and business sales, have tax effects, and the lawyer may work with your accountant on them.

Can one lawyer act for both sides of a deal?

Usually not when the parties' interests differ. Each party to a business sale, shareholders' agreement or major contract usually has a separate lawyer.

What is a minute book and why does it matter?

It is the corporation's record of its articles, by-laws, resolutions and registers. Buyers, lenders and the Canada Revenue Agency may ask to see it, so keeping it up to date avoids delays later.

General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.

Important limitations

  • No particular commercial result can be guaranteed
  • Government approvals and third-party consents are outside the lawyer's control
  • The work is limited to the scope the lawyer confirms in writing
Law Society of Ontario — Barreau de l'Ontario
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