Having worked on all sides of both domestic and cross-border transactions, Stephen has a multi-faceted understanding of how transactions come together and the insight necessary to advise clients on opportunities as well as challenges.
Stephen has advised public and private entities in a wide range of industries regarding private securities offerings, secured and unsecured debt financings, private mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and corporate governance matters. His practice is primarily focused in the areas of general corporate and commercial law, private M&A, secured lending and project finance, and his industry experience includes natural resource development matters, infrastructure, agri-business, technology and transportation.
When engaged in a transaction, clients rely on Stephen for strategy, negotiation tactics, management of the transaction and general business advice.
On the strategic side, an important service Stephen provides is stress-testing a client’s proposal from both a business and legal perspective. Often this exercise reveals additional risks and opportunities for the client to consider and, in some cases, leads to a change in the overall direction of the file.
Stephen began his practice in New York and, as a result, brings an appreciation for the nuances of cross-border deals. Canadian companies embarking on an investment in the U.S. or abroad gain peace of mind from Stephen’s competency in multiple jurisdictions. Foreign clients looking to invest in Canada depend on Stephen for counsel on not just legal matters but also business issues, operational issues, financing and state of the marketplace.
Prior to joining Lakes, Whyte LLP in September 2021, Stephen worked as a partner for a large national law firm, and prior to this as an associate at an international law firm in New York City. He received a BA in Political Science from the University of Alberta in 1998, an MSc in International Relations from the London School of Economics in 1999 and his LLB and BCL from McGill University in 2005. Stephen was called to the British Columbia bar in 2010 and is a member of the Canadian Bar Association, the Law Society of British Columbia, the North Shore Bar Association and the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce.
Stephen is the chair of the Solicitors’ Legal Opinions Committee of British Columbia and is a member of the United Way of British Columbia’s Campaign Cabinet. When not in the office, Stephen can be seen strolling the lanes of Central Lonsdale with his wife, their two children and their dog Tuxedo.