R. Michael Stunden

I have practiced in many areas of law over the years, with a focus on solicitor’s work, including banking, intellectual property, real estate, mergers & acquisitions, intellectual property, corporate, commercial, securities and secured lending. I also have extensive experience with public companies, especially US public companies, including taking companies public through prospectus filings and reverse merger transactions. Through my work in this area, I have worked closely with private and public company accountants, chief financial officers and auditors. 

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I have a keen interest in all facets of creating and growing businesses and have been blessed with friends, family and clients who share similar passions. I have personally created, raised money for, operated and sold many businesses, in Canada and abroad. Besides acting as legal counsel for many of these enterprises, I have hired, worked with and instructed lawyers and other professionals, so I have a keen understanding of what clients want and should expect in a legal professional.

​Here are some of the earmarks of my practice that I hope better inform you about who I am and how I might be the right lawyer for you and your business:

Reasonable pricing – Retaining a traditional law firm is too expensive for most start-ups and smaller companies that need to make every dollar count. Unlike larger law firms, I don't have to charge huge fees to pay for the fancy offices and other trappings of “success.” I enjoy low overhead and am able to pass on these savings to my clients. 

Flexible billing practices - Many business people get heartburn thinking about what it is costing them for legal representation. Sometimes, hourly rates can lead to astronomical, unexpected bills. I address this issue head on by charging fixed fees when possible. Other times, when hourly rates are most appropriate, you will find my rate of $350/hour a refreshing change from larger law firm rates.
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Practical, problem-solving advice – Legal advice from some lawyers can be too remote or too theoretical to be of any practical business value. I am keenly aware of this issue and am laser-focused on providing meaningful, practical legal advice. 

Alliances - If your matter involves tax or any other issues outside my comfort zone, I won't hesitate to refer you to another lawyer. No matter the situation, you will receive the advice that is best for YOU. Lawyers owe a duty to their clients to serve the client’s best interest and I take this duty very seriously.

​Networking - Through my many years in both law and business, I have developed relationships with various accountants, law firms, specialist lawyers, brokers, patent and trade mark agents, bankers and other business professionals in British Columbia and throughout the world. I can work with your current professional team, or help assemble the professional team needed to allow you to operate and grow your business effectively.

Modern technologies – I enjoy practicing law using modern technologies such as online document sharing, online billing and electronic signatures, to save time and money. 

Responsiveness – Decision makers need the right answer, but they also need the answer on time. I make a commitment to every client, new and old, to return all communications the same day or as soon as possible the next business day. Heck, I even answer my phone! I will show you how the lawyer-client relationship is supposed to work.