Michael Waters

Michael, a seasoned lawyer, specializes in corporate and securities law, focusing on areas such as corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and investment fund management, alongside emphasizing corporate governance. When handling M&A scenarios, he delivers strategic advice to both acquiring entities and those being acquired across a spectrum of activities including friendly and hostile bids, corporate amalgamations, and various other forms of business unions.

He skillfully navigates the complexities of financing for both public and private entities, underwriters, and institutional investors. This includes guiding initial and secondary public offerings, orchestrating private placements, and structuring royalty and streaming deals. His expertise extends into the realm of investment funds, where he offers counsel to both domestic and international funds, hedge funds, and their managers. This advice spans fund creation, offerings, management, reorganizations, compliance, and governance matters.

Michael stands out as a pioneer behind the BLG's Startup & Grow™ Initiative, crafting legal frameworks suited to innovators, startups, and early-stage companies, with a keen focus on the tech industry. His proficiency also shines in the mining sector, offering seasoned guidance.

His legal prowess is recognized and lauded across prestigious platforms, including consecutive acknowledgments in The Best Lawyers® in Canada and the Lexpert Special Edition on Mining, among others. His accolades include being named the 2023 'Lawyer of the Year' in Venture Capital Law by The Best Lawyers in Canada.

Michael's academic background is equally impressive, holding an LLB from Osgoode Hall Law School, complemented by a Master’s and a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from the University of British Columbia, showcasing a blend of legal acumen and philosophical insight.

His areas of expertise are broad and varied, covering capital markets, M&A, corporate finance, governance, and beyond, extending into investment management, private equity, and regulatory compliance. Michael's comprehensive approach to legal services, underscored by his awards and recognitions, highlights his stature in the legal community, especially within sectors like mining, investment management, and emerging companies.