Michael heads the firm's Business Law Group and is the co-managing partner of the firm. He has extensive experience advising and assisting owner-managed businesses with all aspects of the business cycle, including acquisitions and divestitures, shareholder disputes, secured financing transactions, succession planning and implementation, and the licensing of intellectual property rights. Michael also has significant experience advising not-for-profit corporations and assisting them with governance issues.
Representative Work
- Negotiated and completed transfer of a family business to the next generation: assisted in identifying the likely successor in a difficult succession, with feuding siblings and founder reluctant to let go
- Resolved a shareholder dispute, in which there was no shareholder agreement and shareholders had divided into factions, by devising an exit strategy and negotiating the departure of a shareholder
- Assisted in developing an exit strategy for a successful business, to institutionalize the goodwill and ready the business for sale at maximized value
- Restructured a share acquisition, saving the purchaser tens of thousands of dollars that would otherwise have been paid as taxes
- Assisted in successfully resisting an attempt by a disaffected group of former directors from taking control of a not-for-profit corporation and thereafter revising bylaws and corporate procedures to reduce the opportunity for future similar conflicts
- Guided a not-for-profit corporation through a windup, including bringing corporate records up to date, identifying members holding final meetings, distributing assets and surrendering charter
- Negotiated trade mark licence and related distributions agreements for a well-known brand
Affiliations
- Ontario Bar Association
- Peel Law Association
- Law Society of Upper Canada
Speaking Engagements/Teaching
- Frequent moderator of televised town-hall and studio-produced all-candidates debates for federal, provincial and municipal elections for ridings and wards in Brampton
- Invited speaker at seminar presentations on the subject of Business Succession Planning and Implementation
- Numerous speaking engagements, radio and television interviews and presentations to committees and decision-makers as Chair of the Building Committee for St. Eugene de Mazenod Church and the related Polonia Millennium 2000 Project in Brampton
- As President of The Brampton Board of Trade, speaker at numerous community organizations on issues related to business and the economy as well as governmental issues
- Frequent speaker at Sheridan College and various community organizations on issues related to business law, including director liability, business structuring and succession planning
Publications
- "Changes to Legislation Governing Not-for-profits: Getting Ready for the ONCA” The Lawrences Letter, Spring 2014
- "New Legislation Simplifies Incorporation and Reporting: Attention all Members of Not-for-Profit Organizations!” The Lawrences Letter, Winter 2011.
- "Proud of Our Past, in Step with the Future”, with Robert van Kessel. The Lawrences Letter, Fall 2009.
- "New Rules for Client Identification and Verification. Know Your Client: It’s the Law”, with Heather M. Picken. The Lawrences Letter, Spring 2009.
- "Serving on Not-for-Profit Boards: Rewards and Risks”, with Avi E. Goldstein. The Lawrences Letter, Summer 2007.
- "Monthly President's Column", Trade Talks, The Brampton Board of Trade, September 2005-June 2006
- "Monthly Column", President of The Brampton Board of Trade, Brampton Business Times, September 2005-June 2006
Apr 01, 2014
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Article
Do you help to run a not-for-profit corporation, such as a social club, sports team, trade or professional association, cultural or faith group, or charity? Then you should read on, because the legislation governing incorporated not-for-profit groups is changing.
Dec 01, 2011
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Article
Many of our clients are active in organizations that are run for a specific purpose other than profit. These organizations, many of which are incorporated, range from registered charities, to trade associations, to sports and social clubs. In a previous article (The Lawrences Letter, Summer 2007) we outlined the legal responsibilities of directors in not-for-profit organizations, noting that such directors were held to a higher standard than were directors in for-profit corporations. With the proclamation into force of the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act on October 17, 2011, all that has changed.
Apr 01, 2009
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Article
As a result of global concerns about fraud and money laundering, the federal government asked the Federation of Law Societies of Canada to create a national standard for client identification and verification, to safeguard law firm trust accounts.
Apr 01, 2007
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Article
Not-for-profit and charitable organizations provide many valuable community services. The activities of such organizations are usually guided by volunteer boards of directors, who have the opportunity to “give back” to the community, enjoy a rewarding experience and expand networking connections.
News
May 28, 2024
Law Society of Ontario
Dear Lawrences Lawyers,
On behalf of the Law Society of Ontario, I would like to congratulate Lawrences Lawyers for your ...
Dec 15, 2023
“To my loyal partner, Harold, who has been more like a brother than a partner to me.”
Gordon Graydon inscribed those words on a p...
Lawrence, Lawrence, Stevenson LLP provided me with tremendous support, knowledge, and experience in handling the sale and dissolution of our corporation, and ultimately satisfying its 200 plus members. I felt confident and had trust in the legal guidance and responses of Heather Picken and Michael Luchenski in handling the corporate and real estate issues at all times. I can highly recommend this team to any corporation seeking similar legal services.
Bruce McClure
Peel Seed Co-operative Inc.
President
“Lawrences has been around for over 90 years and there is good reason why. I have used the firm for a number of corporate issues, real estate matters, estate planning, employment law, and dispute resolution over the past five years. If there is a deadline, they meet it; if it's returning a phone call, it gets done, and if it's an email to discuss or send, you can rest assured it's being looked after.
Lawrences is not one person trying to tackle every task, but a very experienced team of professionals with expertise in every field—by far the best law firm my company has been exposed to over the last ten years. The lawyers will always give you an honest opinion and always make sure you’re getting the best possible guidance—not just one person in your corner but a whole support team.
Michael Luchenski makes sure to communicate so everyone can understand. Lawrences adds a personal touch to make sure their clients are not only satisfied with the work Lawrences provides to the client, but also—most important—how the clients feel when they leave the office.”
Paul Azzopardi
Kenco Machinery Movers & Millwrights Ltd.
President
“When I needed to incorporate a new company following the purchase of outstanding shares in an existing one, my family’s lawyer said my business was too big for him and recommended that I go to Lawrences. Partner Michael J. Luchenski was there on the spot and has provided expert and timely service since 2008.”
Kerry Knudsen
W.I. Media Inc.
President
“Lawrence, Lawrence, Stevenson LLP has provided highly personable and reliable service for our company in times of need. Michael Luchenski is very knowledgeable and was able to advise us on a variety of legal questions. Beyond being a great asset to the Brampton Real Estate Board, Lawrence, Lawrence, Stevenson LLP has also become a part of the BREB family and we would recommend their services to anyone.”
Gerry Verdone, CRAE
Brampton Real Estate Board
Executive Officer