{"id":827,"date":"2025-07-24T12:42:39","date_gmt":"2025-07-24T12:42:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/paquettelegal.wpenginepowered.com\/?page_id=827"},"modified":"2025-09-12T17:19:19","modified_gmt":"2025-09-12T17:19:19","slug":"sme","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/paquette.legal\/en\/legal-expertise\/industries\/sme\/","title":{"rendered":"Small and medium-sized enterprise (smes)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background inner-top-sec nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-margin-top:20px;--awb-margin-bottom:40px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:calc( 1600px + 0px );margin-left: calc(-0px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-0px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column two-col-left-cont\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-large:0px;--awb-spacing-left-large:0px;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:0px;--awb-spacing-left-medium:0px;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:0px;--awb-spacing-left-small:0px;\" data-scroll-devices=\"small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\"><p><i>Your trusted partner in commercial and business law<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2 text-30\"><p>Paquette Attorneys provides strategic, accessible and tailored legal advice to help small businesses and SMEs thrive in a competitive environment.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3\" style=\"--awb-line-height:1.5;\"><p>Legal advice is essential at every stage of your business. From incorporation to daily operations and through to business succession, we help you confidently navigate complex regulations and contracts. Including our commercial lawyers early in your business journey is one of the best decisions you can make. We offer clear, practical guidance, help you make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and position your business for success.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background inner-top-sec nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-padding-top:40px;--awb-padding-bottom:40px;--awb-padding-top-medium:0px;--awb-padding-top-small:0px;--awb-padding-bottom-small:20px;--awb-margin-top:20px;--awb-margin-bottom:20px;--awb-background-color:var(--awb-color6);--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:calc( 1600px + 0px );margin-left: calc(-0px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-0px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-1 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column blue-pannel\" style=\"--awb-bg-color:var(--awb-color6);--awb-bg-color-hover:var(--awb-color6);--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:0px;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:0px;--awb-spacing-left-medium:0px;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:0px;--awb-spacing-left-small:0px;\" data-scroll-devices=\"small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-1 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-three\" style=\"--awb-text-color:#ffffff;\"><h3 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:38;line-height:1.3;\">Areas of Expertise<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-4\" style=\"--awb-text-color:#ffffff;\"><p>Our law firm has extensive experience across key practice areas, including:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"bullet-listing\">\n<li><strong>Business and Commercial Law:<\/strong> Incorporation, shareholder agreements, business sales, service and purchase contracts<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fiscal Law:<\/strong> Trust and estate planning, corporate tax planning and structuring, foreign investment in Canada, purchase and sale of a business<\/li>\n<li><strong>Employment and Labour Law:<\/strong> Advising on hiring, layoffs, employee rights, and collective agreements<\/li>\n<li><strong>Civil and Commercial Litigation:<\/strong> Resolving disputes, collecting debts, and negotiating settlements<\/li>\n<li><strong>Real Estate Law:<\/strong> Drafting and reviewing lease agreements, handling real estate purchases, and resolving landlord-tenant issues<\/li>\n<li><strong>Wills and Estates:<\/strong> Business succession planning, estate administration, drafting of wills, and liquidation of estate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-3 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background inner-top-sec nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-margin-top:40px;--awb-margin-bottom:20px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:calc( 1600px + 0px );margin-left: calc(-0px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-0px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-2 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column two-col-left-cont\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:0px;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:0px;--awb-spacing-left-medium:0px;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:0px;--awb-spacing-left-small:0px;\" data-scroll-devices=\"small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-row\"><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-2 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\"><h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:42;line-height:1.2;\">Our Legal Services for Small &amp; Medium Businesses<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-5\"><p><strong>We specialize in business law, fiscal law, and commercial litigation, offering tailored legal services to meet your specific needs. Our team can help with:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"bullet-listing bullet-listing-two-col class7\">\n<li>Drafting and negotiating contracts<\/li>\n<li>Reviewing and negotiating commercial leases<\/li>\n<li>Protecting your intellectual property<\/li>\n<li>Preparing employee agreements<\/li>\n<li>Selling or transferring ownership of your business<\/li>\n<li>Commercial litigation for business disputes<\/li>\n<li>Arbitration for resolving conflicts outside the courtroom<\/li>\n<li>In-depth knowledge of Canadian and Quebec regulations<\/li>\n<li>Proven strategies to mitigate risk and promote business success<\/li>\n<li>Drafting and reviewing contracts to protect your interests<\/li>\n<li>Assistance with loans, credit facilities and banking compliance<\/li>\n<li>Ensure compliance with regulations and best practices<\/li>\n<li>Facilitate international transactions with a focus on legal compliance<\/li>\n<li>Legal support for production and supply chain operations<\/li>\n<li>Advice for international investors entering Canadian markets<\/li>\n<li>Conflict resolution and implementation of agreements<\/li>\n<li>Mergers and acquisitions (M&amp;A)<\/li>\n<li>Business transfers and takeovers<\/li>\n<li>Licensing and franchising<\/li>\n<li>Structuring agreements to develop your brand<\/li>\n<li>Helping you manage employee relations and compliance with labour legislation<\/li>\n<li>Strategic planning to meet financial and operational challenges<\/li>\n<li>Drafting contracts for outsourcing services or leasing premises<\/li>\n<li>Choosing and setting up the right business structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, non-profit)<\/li>\n<li>Strategies such as estate freeze, creation of a trust or incorporation of a holding company to protect your assets<\/li>\n<li>Incorporation of Canadian companies, Quebec companies, partnerships and joint ventures<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-4 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-padding-top:40px;--awb-padding-bottom:40px;--awb-background-color:#283c87;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-center fusion-flex-justify-content-space-around fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:calc( 1600px + 0px );margin-left: calc(-0px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-0px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-3 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:0px;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:0px;--awb-spacing-left-medium:0px;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:0px;--awb-spacing-left-small:0px;\" data-scroll-devices=\"small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-6 fusion-text-no-margin custom-card\" style=\"--awb-margin-top:20px;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;\"><h2 style=\"color: #fff !important;\">Industries<\/h2>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-7 white-fill\"><ul class=\"bullet-listing bullet-listing-three-col\">\n<li><a href=\"\/en\/legal-expertise\/industries\/aerospace\/\">Aerospace<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/en\/legal-expertise\/industries\/agribusiness-food-beverage\/\">Agribusiness, Food &amp; Beverage<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/en\/legal-expertise\/industries\/automotive\/\">Automotive<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/en\/legal-expertise\/industries\/commercial-real-estate\/\">Commercial Real Estate<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/en\/legal-expertise\/industries\/construction\/\">Construction<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/en\/legal-expertise\/industries\/education\/\">Education<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/en\/legal-expertise\/industries\/financial-services-insurance\/\">Financial Services &amp; Insurance<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/en\/legal-expertise\/industries\/franchising\/\">Franchising<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/en\/legal-expertise\/industries\/health-life-sciences\/\">Health &amp; Life Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/en\/legal-expertise\/industries\/manufacturing\/\">Manufacturing<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/en\/legal-expertise\/industries\/municipal\/\">Municipal<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/en\/legal-expertise\/industries\/professional-services\/\">Professional Services<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/en\/legal-expertise\/industries\/retail-wholesale-distribution\/\">Retail, Wholesale &amp; Distribution<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/en\/legal-expertise\/industries\/sme\/\">SMEs<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/en\/legal-expertise\/industries\/transportation-logistics\/\">Transportation &amp; Logistics<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/en\/legal-expertise\/industries\/technology\/\">Technology<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-5 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background inner-top-sec nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-margin-top:40px;--awb-margin-bottom:40px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:calc( 1600px + 0px );margin-left: calc(-0px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-0px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-4 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-padding-top:0px;--awb-padding-right:0px;--awb-padding-bottom:0px;--awb-padding-left:0px;--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-large:0px;--awb-spacing-left-large:0px;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:0px;--awb-spacing-left-medium:0px;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:0px;--awb-spacing-left-small:0px;\" data-scroll-devices=\"small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-8\" style=\"--awb-margin-top:20px;\"><p>Each service is designed to help your business thrive and give you peace of mind. At Paquette Attorneys, we offer a personalized approach. We take the time to understand your business and provide legal solutions that fit your goals.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-6 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background career-opportunities-block parent hundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-padding-right:0px;--awb-padding-bottom:0px;--awb-padding-left:0px;--awb-background-color:#f5f6f6;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" id=\"career\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-stretch fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 0px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 0px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-0px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-0px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-5 fusion_builder_column_1_2 1_2 fusion-flex-column fusion-flex-align-self-center block-left-cont second\" style=\"--awb-padding-right:6%;--awb-padding-left:10%;--awb-padding-right-small:0px;--awb-padding-left-small:0px;--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:50%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-large:0px;--awb-spacing-left-large:0px;--awb-width-medium:50%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:0px;--awb-spacing-left-medium:0px;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:0px;--awb-spacing-left-small:0px;\" data-scroll-devices=\"small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-center fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-3 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\"><h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"font-family:&quot;Unna&quot;;font-style:normal;font-weight:400;margin:0;--fontSize:42;line-height:1.2;\">Partner with a Legal Team That Understands Your Business<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-9\"><p>As a trusted West Island law firm, we combine big-firm experience with personalized service that puts your business first.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/en\/contact\/\">Contact us<\/a> for practical advice and guidance through complex situations.<\/p>\n<\/div><div ><a class=\"fusion-button button-flat fusion-button-default-size button-custom fusion-button-default button-1 fusion-button-default-span fusion-button-default-type button-hover fusion-has-button-gradient\" style=\"--button_accent_color:#4d5daa;--button_accent_hover_color:var(--awb-color1);--button_border_hover_color:var(--awb-color4);--button_gradient_top_color:transparent;--button_gradient_bottom_color:transparent;--button_gradient_top_color_hover:#4d5daa;--button_gradient_bottom_color_hover:hsla(var(--awb-color5-h),calc(var(--awb-color5-s) - 5%),calc(var(--awb-color5-l) - 10%),var(--awb-color5-a));\" target=\"_self\" href=\"\/en\/consultation-request\/\"><span class=\"fusion-button-text awb-button__text awb-button__text--default\">Schedule a Consultation<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-6 fusion_builder_column_1_2 1_2 fusion-flex-column culture-right-img first\" style=\"--awb-bg-image:url(&#039;https:\/\/paquette.legal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/inner-cta-right-img.jpg&#039;);--awb-bg-position:center center;--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:50%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:0px;--awb-margin-bottom-large:0px;--awb-spacing-left-large:0px;--awb-width-medium:50%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:0px;--awb-spacing-left-medium:0px;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:0px;--awb-spacing-left-small:0px;\" data-scroll-devices=\"small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column fusion-empty-column-bg-image fusion-column-has-bg-image\" data-bg-url=\"https:\/\/paquette.legal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/inner-cta-right-img.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"fusion-empty-dims-img-placeholder fusion-no-large-visibility fusion-no-medium-visibility\" aria-label=\"inner-cta-right-img\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271282%27%20height%3D%27704%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%201282%20704%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%271282%27%20height%3D%27704%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1225,"parent":746,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"100-width.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-827","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/paquette.legal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/SEMs-600x400.webp","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/paquette.legal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/SEMs-600x425.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/paquette.legal\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/827","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/paquette.legal\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/paquette.legal\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paquette.legal\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paquette.legal\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=827"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/paquette.legal\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/827\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paquette.legal\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/746"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paquette.legal\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1225"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/paquette.legal\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=827"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}