Incorporation lawyer for Canadian and US companies
An incorporation lawyer helps you form a Canadian corporation, provincial or federal, or a US corporation or LLC. We file the papers, then set up the shares, bylaws, minute book and any agreement between the owners.
- Law Society of OntarioLicensed in Ontario
- New York State BarAdmitted in New York
How to incorporate in Canada or the United States
Incorporating creates a company that is legally separate from its owners. It can own property, sign contracts and take on debts in its own name. To incorporate a business in Ontario, you file articles of incorporation. They set the name, share classes and number of directors. You can file under Ontario law or the federal Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA).
In New York, you first pick between a corporation and an LLC (limited liability company). A corporation files a certificate of incorporation and adopts bylaws, its internal rules. An LLC files articles of organization and signs an operating agreement. It must also publish a notice that it was formed. We handle each step with you.
Much of a business incorporation lawyer's work comes after the filing. We prepare the bylaws and organizational resolutions, the company's first decisions. We issue the first shares and set up the corporate minute book, its official record. With more than one owner, we also draft a shareholder or operating agreement. It sets the rules for big decisions, exits and disputes.
In Canada
From our Toronto office, we help you choose between Ontario and federal incorporation, then file the articles and organize the new corporation.
In the United States
From our New York office, we handle LLC formation and new corporations, from the first filing to the operating agreement or bylaws.
Across the border
If you run a business in both countries, we plan how the Canadian and US companies are owned and connected.
- Canadian incorporation
- Ontario articles of incorporation
- Named or numbered corporations
- Professional corporations
- Federal (CBCA) incorporation
- Corporations Canada filings
- Provincial registrations
- Resident director rules
- US LLCs and corporations
- New York certificates of incorporation
- Articles of organization
- LLC publication
- Operating agreements
- Share structure
- Share classes
- Holding companies
- Canada-US ownership
- Room for future investors
- Corporate minute book
- Bylaws and resolutions
- Share and ownership registers
- Regular filings
- Shareholder and operating agreements
- Decisions and control
- Share transfers and exits
- Deadlock and dispute terms
Who we help incorporate
Canadian business owners
Sole proprietors ready to incorporate, owners starting a new company, and professionals setting up a professional corporation.
US founders
Founders and sole proprietors in the United States who need a business formation lawyer to form a new corporation or LLC.
Co-founders and startups
Two or more owners who need a clear share split and written terms from day one. If you plan to raise money, our startup lawyer services cover the next stages.
Businesses expanding across the border
Canadian companies opening in the US, and US companies opening in Canada, that need a local entity in the new country.
What an incorporation lawyer adds
- 01Decisions before filing
We agree on owners, share classes and where to incorporate before anything is filed.
- 02A complete minute book
Along with the filed articles or certificate, you receive the bylaws or operating agreement, resolutions and ownership records in one place.
- 03Plain explanations
We explain each choice in plain language and tell you when a question belongs with your accountant.
- 04Help after day one
We can keep your records current and handle regular filings and later changes to the company.
What our clients say
Joseph explained every step of the legal process in a clear and straightforward manner. I always felt informed and at ease. His professionalism and dedication gave me confidence that my case was in the right hands. I highly recommend his services to anyone seeking legal assistance.
Leena E.
Working with Joseph Mayo was a fantastic experience. He is incredibly knowledgeable and efficient, helping me with important files that needed quick submission. His expertise and dedication were evident, and he guided me through the process in record time. I’m grateful for his prompt and thorough assistance. Highly recommended for anyone needing legal expertise!
Ziad A.
Joseph’s the kind of lawyer who actually listens. I never felt like just a file on his desk—he really took the time to understand me and what I was going through. It made the whole experience a lot less stressful. I’m honestly so glad I found him.
Wisam R.
Guides on this topic
Common questions
Do I need a lawyer to incorporate my business?
No, you can file the incorporation documents yourself, in Canada or in the United States. A company incorporation lawyer handles what the filing leaves out: the share structure, bylaws, first share issue and minute book. If there is more than one owner, a lawyer also drafts your agreement. It covers how you make decisions and what happens when someone leaves.
Should I incorporate federally or provincially?
If your business will stay mostly in Ontario, an Ontario corporation is usually simpler. Federal incorporation suits a business that plans to work in several provinces or wants to use its name across Canada. A federal company must still register in each province where it does business. It also needs at least 25% of its directors to be resident Canadians, or at least one if it has fewer than four directors. Ontario has no such rule.
How much does it cost to incorporate in Ontario?
As of 2026, registering a corporation in Ontario costs $300 in government fees when you file online, and a federal online filing costs $200. In Ontario, a named company also needs an Ontario-biased NUANS name search report, and a numbered one does not. Federally, the name search is part of the online filing. Legal fees are separate from these government fees.
What is a professional corporation?
A professional corporation is a company that a regulated professional uses to run their practice. Doctors, dentists, lawyers and accountants often use one. In Ontario, its name must include "Professional Corporation". Its owners are generally limited to members of the profession. It must also hold a permit from the profession's regulator, often called a certificate of authorization. It does not protect the professional from personal liability for their own work.
How do I form an LLC in New York?
You form a New York LLC by filing articles of organization with the New York Department of State. The state filing fee is $200. The members must adopt a written operating agreement, before filing or within 90 days after. The LLC must also finish the publication requirement within 120 days. Most LLCs then get an EIN (employer identification number), the US federal tax ID issued by the IRS.
What is the New York LLC publication requirement?
New York requires a new LLC to publish a notice of its formation within 120 days. The notice runs in two newspapers, once a week for six weeks in a row. The county clerk where the LLC's office is located picks the newspapers. The LLC then files a certificate of publication with the Department of State. If it misses the deadline, its right to do business in New York is suspended until it complies.
We practice corporate and business law for companies in Canada and the United States.
Joseph Mayo is the principal attorney at Mayo Law. He is licensed to practice law in both Ontario and New York, holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from New York University School of Law with a specialty in international business and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in law and a Master of Arts (M.A.) in business from Netanya Academic College, and is a member of the American Bar Association and the Law Society of Ontario. His practice focuses on cross-border immigration, business law, white collar defense, and compliance.
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