Toronto business lawyer for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and growing companies. From formation to contracts to disputes — legal counsel that protects your interests and keeps your business moving forward.
· Reviewed by Jonathan Kleiman, J.D.
Jonathan Kleiman is a business lawyer in Toronto who advises entrepreneurs, small business owners, and growing companies on the legal decisions that shape how their businesses operate, grow, and manage risk.
Whether you are starting a business, entering a partnership, negotiating a commercial transaction, or dealing with a dispute — Jonathan provides direct, practical legal counsel that protects your interests and prevents costly problems before they start.
Every engagement begins with a free 30-minute consultation.
The structure you choose — sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation — determines your personal liability, tax obligations, and ability to raise capital. A Toronto business lawyer helps you evaluate the options and select the structure that fits your specific situation. For the patterns Jonathan sees most often, read 9 pieces of business advice from a lawyer.
Incorporation creates a separate legal entity that limits your personal liability and provides tax planning opportunities. Jonathan handles Ontario and federal incorporations, including articles of incorporation, corporate bylaws, initial resolutions, and share structure design.
If you are going into business with others, a properly drafted partnership agreement or shareholder agreement defines each party's rights, obligations, profit sharing, decision-making authority, and exit provisions. These agreements prevent the disputes that arise when business relationships change.
Already in a partnership without a written agreement? Jonathan can draft one that reflects the current arrangement and protects both parties going forward. Learn more about partnership agreements.
Contracts are the foundation of every business relationship. Jonathan drafts, reviews, and negotiates the agreements Toronto businesses rely on every day.
Service agreements, supply agreements, distribution agreements, NDAs, employment contracts, and independent contractor agreements — drafted to protect your interests.
Before you sign any agreement, have it reviewed. Jonathan identifies risks, unfavourable terms, and missing protections in contracts presented by the other side.
Commercial leases are complex, multi-year commitments. Jonathan reviews lease terms, negotiates landlord obligations, and ensures your interests are protected before you sign.
Licensing agreements, IP assignments, and technology agreements for Toronto businesses that need to protect proprietary information and intellectual property.
Whether you are buying a business or selling one, the transaction involves significant legal complexity — due diligence, purchase agreements, asset allocation, liability allocation, non-competition covenants, and closing mechanics.
Jonathan also advises clients purchasing franchises under Ontario's Arthur Wishart Act disclosure framework. Read more about franchise law and intellectual property protection.
When a business relationship breaks down, Jonathan pursues resolution in the most cost-effective way available — starting with a demand letter, moving to negotiation or mediation, and proceeding to litigation when necessary.
Jonathan represents clients in the Ontario Small Claims Court (claims up to $50,000) and the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. Read more about contract dispute resolution, collecting on outstanding invoices.
Free 30-minute consultation. No fee, no obligation.
Running a corporation in Ontario involves ongoing legal obligations — annual resolutions, director duties, shareholder rights, and compliance with the Ontario Business Corporations Act. Jonathan advises business owners on corporate governance matters and ensures their corporate records are properly maintained.
Most Toronto businesses do not need a full-time lawyer — but they do need a lawyer they can call when a question comes up. Jonathan acts as outside general counsel for small and mid-sized businesses, providing legal advice on an as-needed basis.
Describe your business and the legal issue. Jonathan identifies the key risks and recommends an approach.
Jonathan scopes the work and provides a flat-fee or hourly quote before any work begins. No surprises.
Whether it's a contract, incorporation, negotiation, or dispute — Jonathan handles the matter personally.
Jonathan remains available for follow-up questions, future matters, and the day-to-day legal issues that come with running a business.
A business lawyer does more than draft documents. Jonathan looks at the bigger picture — identifying legal risks before they become problems, structuring transactions to minimize exposure, and ensuring your agreements hold up if challenged.
Every contract, partnership, and transaction carries risk. Jonathan's approach focuses on anticipating where problems are likely to arise and building protections into the agreement before those problems surface. The cost of preventive legal work is always a fraction of the cost of litigation.
From vendor agreements to business purchases to settlement discussions, Jonathan negotiates on behalf of Toronto businesses to get terms that protect their interests and reflect the true value of the deal.
The best time to involve a business lawyer is before you sign. The second-best time is right now.
Jonathan earned his B.A. (with distinction) at McGill University and his J.D. at Queen's University. He has been a member of the Law Society of Ontario since 2011.
Your business lawyer should be someone who understands your goals, responds quickly, and gives you straight advice — not someone you have to schedule weeks in advance to reach. See what clients say about working with Jonathan.
Whether you are starting a business, growing one, or dealing with a dispute — Jonathan is available for a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your situation and recommend an approach.
Call 416-554-1639 or book a free consultation.
Jonathan also handles contract drafting and review, incorporation, selling a business, buying a business, and Small Claims Court litigation.
The questions Toronto business owners and entrepreneurs ask most often about working with a business lawyer.
Fees depend on the type of work involved. Jonathan offers flat-fee pricing for many business law matters including incorporation, contract drafting, and contract review.
Complex transactions and ongoing advisory work may be billed hourly with a budget agreed upfront. Every engagement starts with a free 30-minute consultation. See our detailed guide to business lawyer costs in Toronto.
Hire a business lawyer before you form your business, sign a contract, take on a partner, buy or sell a business, or enter any transaction with significant financial obligations.
The cost of legal advice upfront is a fraction of the cost of resolving a dispute after the fact.
A business lawyer advises on the legal aspects of running a business — from formation and incorporation to contracts, partnerships, commercial transactions, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution.
Jonathan acts as outside general counsel for Toronto businesses that need ongoing legal support without the cost of in-house counsel.
You are not legally required to use a lawyer, but incorporation involves decisions about share structure, director obligations, and corporate bylaws that affect your tax position, liability, and ability to raise capital.
A business lawyer ensures these decisions are made correctly from the start.
Yes. Jonathan represents businesses and individuals in contract disputes, partnership disagreements, shareholder disputes, vendor and supplier claims, and other commercial litigation.
He handles matters in both the Ontario Small Claims Court and the Superior Court of Justice.
The terms are often used interchangeably. A corporate lawyer typically focuses on corporate governance, share structures, and large-scale transactions.
A business lawyer handles a broader range of matters including contracts, disputes, and day-to-day legal needs for small and mid-sized businesses. Jonathan handles both.
Look for a lawyer with direct experience in your type of business matter, transparent pricing, strong client reviews, and personal accessibility.
Jonathan answers his own phone and email, provides flat-fee quotes for most matters, and has over 15 years of experience advising Toronto businesses.
Jonathan represents businesses and individuals across the GTA. Whether your business is based in downtown Toronto or the surrounding cities, you receive the same direct access, flat-fee pricing, and experienced legal counsel.
Get direct, practical legal advice for your business. Free 30-minute consultation with a Toronto business lawyer.