We provide practical legal counsel to co-operatives and owner-managed businesses navigating increasingly complex decisions.
Our work focuses on governance, contracts, and ongoing legal support.
With a strong foundation in governance and organizational dynamics, we help leadership teams address issues early and move forward with confidence.
How we help
As organizations grow, legal issues tend to show up more often—and in more practical ways.
We focus on supporting leadership teams where legal input is most often needed: in decision-making, contracts, and the structure of the business itself.
Governance, Ownership & Structure
How your business is structured and decisions are made
We support leadership teams with the legal and structural aspects of running and evolving a business.
This includes:
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ownership and shareholder matters
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share structuring and changes over time
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incorporation and organizational structuring
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internal decision-making and governance
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resolving conflicts before they escalate
Contracts & Risk Management
Reducing exposure before agreements are signed
We help you structure and manage agreements with a focus on clarity, consistency, and risk.
This includes:
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customer and vendor contracts
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identifying risks before agreements are signed
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improving how contracts are used across your business
Ongoing Legal Advisory
Consistent support as issues arise
As legal needs become more frequent, we provide consistent, practical support as issues arise.
This includes:
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day-to-day legal questions
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input on business decisions
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ongoing guidance as your business grows
External
Legal Counsel
Most businesses engage legal counsel only when an issue arises—we work differently.
Better than In-house Counsel
Ongoing legal support designed for businesses that need consistent, practical guidance—without the cost of building an in-house legal team.
Predictable and Flexible Costs
Flat fees and preferred rates provide clarity, while allowing your legal support to scale with your business needs.
Access to a Full Team
Work with experienced lawyers and support staff without hiring internally.
Proactive Risk Management
Identify and address issues early—before they become costly problems.
Our team
WILLIAM L. OEMICHEN
PARTNER
Bill graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School, and he is now a Senior Research Fellow at the at the UW’s College of Agricultural & Life Sciences.
Currently pursuing a PhD in legal research at the University of Wisconsin Law School, Bill has taught cooperative and business law for decades across both the United States and Canada.
He is also a member of the Law Society of Alberta, and provides legal consulting to some of Canada’s largest cooperatives. He also serves on the Board of Farm Credit US — a cooperative financial institution supporting American farmers with over $350 billion in assets under management.
He is a seasoned attorney and an expert parliamentarian, with a track record of advising organizations at the local, national, and international levels.
ELLIOT H. BRIDGEWATER
PARTNER
Elliot has been a member of the Law Society of Alberta for over a decade and is also admitted to the Wisconsin Bar.
He has taught Cooperative Law at the University of Calgary and frequently speaks on governance and organizational legal issues.
Since 2017, he has advised co-operatives and owner-managed businesses on governance, ownership structures, and ongoing legal matters, with a practical, solutions-oriented approach.
He serves as Canada’s Alternate Delegate to the International Cooperative Alliance Americas (ICA).
From 2023 to 2025, Elliot served on the Board of Calgary Co-op, including as Chair of the Governance Committee.
He now focuses on advising growing businesses in Alberta’s energy and services sectors, particularly those with cross-border operations.
ADAOBI H. ANIKWE
STUDENT-AT-LAW
GABRIELA MARQUEZ
OFFICE MANAGER
Adaobi is a foreign-trained lawyer with over a decade of international legal and governance experience. She holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the University of Calgary, Faculty of Law, and a Certificate of Qualification from the Federation of Law Societies of Canada. She is also a member of the Chartered Governance Institute of Canada (CGIC).
Before moving to Canada, Adaobi practiced law in both private and corporate settings in Nigeria. She served as Corporate Secretary and Compliance Officer at NGX Group Plc, the foremost securities Exchange in Nigeria, and as a Senior Associate at LPC Solicitors, where she advised clients on corporate/commercial, real estate, and employment matters.
In Canada, she has contributed to legal research at the University of Calgary Faculty of Law, focusing on constitutional, energy, and securities law. She brings a strong focus on governance, regulatory compliance, and client-centered problem solving to her work with cooperatives and community-based enterprises.
Outside of her legal practice, Adaobi is active in volunteering, including roles with the Canadian Red Cross, her local school council.
Gabriela is our Office Manager and the heart of the firm’s operations.
She began her career in Venezuela and Argentina as a translator, language instructor, and entrepreneur. Her love for languages and communication led her to earn a degree in Translation, later certified by the University of Toronto when she moved to Canada.
Today, Gabriela keeps the firm running smoothly through her leadership in administration, bookkeeping, and client support. Fluent in Spanish, English, and French, she brings a global perspective and strong communication skills to the team.
Her knack for office technology is especially appreciated—constantly finding IT solutions that make work more efficient and allow the lawyers to focus on their clients.
Outside of work, Gabriela dedicates time to volunteering and social causes, reflecting her commitment to community and service.
Contact
Calgary/Cochrane
#15, 225 Railway Street East,
Cochrane, AB T4C 2C3 (By appointment only)
For general enquiries or booking an initial consult.
Book a free 20-min video consult
To help us best serve your inquiry, we recommend that you first describe the issue you’re having before telling us what you want to achieve.
Although we are looking forward to hearing from you, please do not include any confidential information in your message.
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