In this episode, host Sharon DeKoning chats with her personal lawyer and respected legal expert, A.J. Fox of Fox Wakefield, about navigating the legal landscape of entrepreneurship. With a reputation for cutting through legal jargon and offering clear, relatable advice, A.J. explains the foundational legal steps every entrepreneur should consider when launching a business. They explore the pros and cons of different business structures—sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations—and discuss when and why each may be the right fit. Liability protection, registering a GST number, and working with an accountant and banker are emphasized as early key decisions.
The conversation also dives into often-overlooked legal documents like unanimous shareholder agreements and minute books, and why these tools are essential for clarity and compliance. Whether you're planning a long-term succession plan or approaching the final chapter of your business journey, A.J. unpacks the legal considerations of exit strategies and the formal process of business dissolution. Sharon and A.J. highlight how proactive legal guidance can help avoid costly mistakes and give you peace of mind at every stage of your business.
About A.J. Fox
A.J. Fox is a partner at Fox Wakefield, where she serves clients across Alberta and Saskatchewan in estates, estate planning, corporate/commercial matters, and real estate. She has extensive mediation experience and has recently added arbitration to her practice, helping clients resolve complex disputes effectively. A.J. is known for her ability to explain legal topics in a way that’s relatable and easy to understand.
She was appointed King’s Counsel in Alberta in March 2024 and earned her Master of Laws in Alternative Dispute Resolution from Osgoode Hall in June 2024. A.J. will begin a second Master of Laws in Privacy and Cybersecurity Law at Osgoode Hall in January 2025. Her leadership extends beyond her practice—she has served on the Environmental Appeals Board and the Public Lands Appeal Board of Alberta and is currently the Law Society of Saskatchewan’s representative on the University of Saskatchewan Senate.
A.J. is a member of the Law Society of Alberta, the Law Society of Saskatchewan, and the ADR Institute of Canada.
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