Laura West

Laura West, a seasoned practitioner in wealth management, estate planning, and law related to charities and non-profits, provides comprehensive advice to her clients. Her expertise spans creating wills and trusts, drafting powers of attorney, formulating healthcare representation agreements, guiding charitable donations, planning for family business succession, managing corporate reorganizations, and overseeing estate administration. She also specializes in the founding, operation, and regulatory compliance of charitable and non-profit entities.

Her commitment to education is evident from her tenure as an adjunct professor at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, where she imparted her knowledge on wills and estate planning. West's contributions to the field extend beyond teaching; she co-authored "Charitable Giving in Canada" and has been a prolific speaker and author on topics regarding estate planning and legal issues facing charities and non-profits. Her insights have enriched forums such as the Canadian Tax Foundation, the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (Canada), and the Canadian Bar Association, among others.

Recognition for West's legal acumen comes from numerous quarters. She has been consistently acknowledged by her peers and legal directories as a foremost authority in personal tax planning for estates and legal matters concerning charities and non-profit organizations.

With a solid educational background, including a J.D. and a B.A. from the University of Toronto, West has applied her skills across a broad spectrum of services. These include advising charities and tax-exempt organizations, private wealth management, and estate planning, primarily serving financial institutions.

Her legal practice is authorized in both British Columbia and Ontario, reflecting her wide-ranging influence and expertise in her field. This expertise has not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by her inclusion in the "Best Lawyers in Canada" for Trusts and Estates from 2012 to 2024 and her recommendations in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory for her work in Charities/Not-For-Profit Law and Estate & Personal Tax Planning.

Moreover, her leadership and exceptional service have been recognized through awards, such as being part of the "Private Client Team of the Year" at the STEP Private Client Awards, showcasing her significant contributions to private wealth law in Canada.