Who We Are

 

Having practiced law for over 50 years, Frank Shostack realized many years ago that you don’t need to be listed in Who’s Who to know What’s What!!

01. Strategic

Since 1991, Frank has pursued the study of strategic operations management, including quality initiatives, ISO 9000 implementation, and business process re-engineering which has enabled him to better understand the operational elements of his clients’ businesses, assist them with their planning initiatives, and tailor his advice to the needs of the client’s operations.

02. Collaborative

Frank’s extensive training and experience in alternative dispute resolution, and facilitation, and his strategic business expertise enable him to apply a collaborative and solution-oriented approach to resolve competing business interests that often arise during complex multi-party transactions.

03. Experienced

Frank is an experienced tax and business lawyer. He received his Juris Doctor (JD) degree from the University of Toronto in 1968 and was called to the Ontario Bar in 1970. Frank subsequently obtained his Master of Laws degree from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1980. He also holds an ICD D. designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors Canada.

Your Business is in Good Hands

While focusing on tax planning for owners of entrepreneurial businesses, Frank has, throughout his career, advised clients on a broad scope of business matters including corporate finance, acquisitions, mergers, joint ventures, divestitures, intellectual property, licensing and other contract negotiations, shareholder and business disputes, and corporate governance. Frank also has significant training in operations management, which he has used to assist clients with their strategic planning efforts, as they build and grow their businesses.

One of the most important steps in any transaction is preparing to negotiate the deal, and considering all of the important elements involved in the upcoming deal discussions. Failing to thoroughly review all scenarios that may arise is a costly oversight. This is one of the value added aspects of the services that Frank provides.

A Team Of Professionals

Frank Shostack

Tax and Business Lawyer
JD Degree – U of T
Ontario Bar 1970
ICD D. Designation – CICD

Frank has been a director and committee member of several insurance companies and large privately held companies. His work with Boards of Directors has continued with his role as non-executive corporate secretary of a mortgage insurance company.

His commitment to client service is reflected in his many long-standing client relationships that, in several instances, have continued for over 40 years through changes in management teams.

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His mission throughout his practice has been to focus on the quality of his relationship with his clients, be regarded as a trusted adviser and always being accessible.

One of the most important steps in any transaction is preparing to negotiate the deal, and considering all of the important elements involved in the upcoming deal discussions. Failing to thoroughly review all scenarios that may arise is a costly oversight. This is one of the value added aspects of the services that Frank provides.

Patricia Bedford

Law Clerk
Corporate and Business Law Specialist

Pat began her career as a legal assistant in 1973 and spent 3 years working for a senior corporate lawyer in Hamilton. In 1976, after moving to the Toronto area, she began working with Frank as his assistant, and very quickly advanced as an experienced corporate clerk implementing complex tax-driven transactions. In 2008, she passed the Ontario Institute of Law Clerks associate program examination in Corporate, achieving an examination result of 94% and receiving the Victor Award for Excellence in Corporate Law.

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Our clients rely almost exclusively on Pat for their day-to-day service requirements, as they experience immediate response from her as well as efficiency and organization.

Alexandra Franco

Assistant Law Clerk
Corporate and Business Law Specialist

On May 1, 2023, Alexandra Franco joined the firm as an assistant law clerk working with Pat Bedford. Prior to her arrival in Canada in 2022, Alexandra had been a practising lawyer in Ecuador since 2012, specializing in corporate law and obtained her Master’s degree in 2021.

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In working toward her requirements to be admitted to the Ontario Bar, Alexandra will be completing her law clerk course at Centennial College in the spring of 2024 while continuing to assist Pat with maintaining corporate records and supporting various M&A transactions.

Her experience in Ecuador included a broad scope of responsibility for managing all of the in-house legal requirements of an industrial manufacturing business serving both residential and commercial markets, and an in-house position with a holding business involved in the private sector (including food processing, cinematographic industry, B2B delivery services, sign manufacturing, automobile dealers, reinsurance and construction) in the Latin American region.

Juan Carlos Salvador

Assistant Law Clerk
Corporate and Business Law Specialist

On July 31, 2023, Juan Carlos Salvador joined the firm as an assistant law clerk, also working with Pat Bedford and Alexandra to deal with maintaining corporate records and assisting with financing and M&A transactions. His objective, during this time, is to complete the requirements for admission to the Ontario Bar.

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Juan was also a practicing lawyer in Ecuador since 2010, specializing in corporate law as a partner in a prestigious firm in the city of Quito dealing with contract review, labour law, and corporate matters. Two years prior to emigrating to Canada, he workd with a large public oil company dealing with a broad spectrum of matters including contract review and corporate governance.

One of Juan’s primary responsibilities will be to focus on serving the Firm’s private equity clients and 40+ of their North American subsidiaries.

Our Focus

Business Expansion

Financing using banks, equipment financing sources, private equity, and acquisitions and mergers.

Business Sales

How to prepare your business for sale in a manner that conveys organization and in-depth knowledge of the business.

Financial Stress

Advising business owners on how to optimize their capital structure, protect their invested capital, and deal with the challenges of financial difficulties.

Employee Incentive Plans

Establishing equity or profit-sharing participation for key employees who are essential to the business.

Intellectual Property

Protecting the business’s proprietary information though trademark and copyright; and licensing intellectual property.

Governance

Advising larger organizations with respect to proper governance procedures and public accountability.