Michael advises corporate and business clients on organizational structuring, reorganizations, mergers, acquisitions, dispositions and governance matters. He also co-leads the firm’s Indigenous practice area and regularly represents Indigenous communities and Indigenous-owned businesses.
- Counsel to Mosaic Capital Corporation and its minority operating partner in connection with the sale of Ambassador Mechanical
- Counsel to various financial institutions in connection with the structuring and implementation of financing transactions and equity investments
- Counsel to a private equity firm in connection with the acquisition of several businesses
- Counsel to purchaser of a ~$21-million oil field services business
- Counsel to Alberta Indigenous community in connection with the negotiation, with the Province of Alberta and the Government of Canada, and finalization of the transfer of the administration and control of Reserve lands in connection with the development of a major infrastructure project
- Counsel to Alberta Indigenous community in connection with the negotiation and finalization of a development agreement in connection with the long-term commercial development of more than 1,000 acres of Reserve lands
- Counsel to various Indigenous communities in connection with the designation and subsequent leasing and commercial development of Reserve lands
- Counsel to a Indigenous community in connection with the negotiation and finalization of a master services agreement for the provision of utilities from a neighbouring municipality
- Counsel to Alberta Indigenous community in connection with the establishment of a trust to manage proceeds of a major transaction, and to also manage the First Nation’s capital funds previously administered by Canada pursuant to the Indian Act
- Counsel to several Indigenous communities on the establishment and structuring of limited partnerships, corporations and trusts for both on- and off-reserve economic development, including the negotiation and structuring of partnerships and joint ventures with industry partners
- Counsel to a Indigenous community respecting the dissolution of a business trust and conversion into a limited partnership structure
- Counsel to various Indigenous communities on the development and administration of property tax and financial administration legislation
- Counsel to various Indigenous communities and Indigenous-owned entities in connection with the establishment of credit facilities
- Counsel to Indigenous-owned entities on the structuring and acquisition of a gaming and hospitality business
- Counsel to various Indigenous communities respecting a variety of income tax issues, including the development of tax-efficient structures for on- and off-reserve economic activities
Michael acts for a range of lenders, including banks and private equity firms, on various financing transactions including term debt, subordinated debt, quasi-equity and equity investments. He also advises business clients, ranging from owner-managed businesses to larger organizations, on corporate structuring and reorganizations, acquisitions and dispositions, financings and corporate governance.
Michael represents Indigenous Peoples in negotiations with the Government of Canada regarding additions to reserve land, designation of reserve land, on-reserve commercial leasing arrangements, the development of Nation trusts and other matters, and in negotiations with resource companies to establish joint ventures and other business relationships. He has advised the leadership of several Indigenous communities on a variety of matters including corporate structuring of Nation-owned businesses, financial administration, property tax regimes, bylaw and policy development and governance. Michael has also made numerous presentations to Indigenous community members in connection with referendum votes to approve designations, commercial leasing transactions, trusts and other matters.
Michael also represents Indigenous-owned business organizations in connection with the negotiation and finalization of share and asset purchase and sale transactions, limited partnership and joint venture agreements, organizational structuring, policy development and corporate governance.
- President, Alumni Association (Saskatchewan, 2008-2009)
- Recognized by Best Lawyers in Canada – Corporate Law (2021-present)
- Recognized by Best Lawyers in Canada – Aboriginal Law (2021-2024)
- A Leading Practitioner, Aboriginal Law and Corporate Mid-Market, Canadian Lexpert Legal Directory (2023-present)