Services

Dispute Resolution

From cargo claims to liability matters, our firm is continuously involved in dispute resolution processes, both at the Federal Courts throughout Canada and the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. We have extensive experience in mediation and arbitration and have the benefit of our having acted both on the advocacy and decision makers side. We encourage alternate dispute resolution modes when possible and suitable to your case. We have worked since 1982 on effecting resolution of transportation insolvencies. We have successfully represented financial institutions and creditors in enforcing financing agreements and claims through arrest of ships and exercise of liens. An important part of our clientele in dispute resolution work are transportation insurers and claims agencies. You may contact us for information on fee arrangements for recovery work.

Commercial Transactions

From specialized contracts of carriage to financing, our firm can provide focused legal advice and prepare agreements suited to your business needs, with either the simplicity or detail the task at hand may require. We have participated in many international ship sales and financing, advising sellers, purchasers and lenders alike and liaising with the registry to ensure a smooth closing. We have developed transportation agreements for specialized needs, including intermediary trading terms, mortgage security for performance  of carriage contracts and risk management.

Policy Development

We have assisted governmental bodies including ministerial and statutory inquiries, the Senate of Canada, the governments of  Nunavut and of the Northwest Territories, and Transport Canada. We have prepared plans and proposals from draft international treaties to individual client projects. We regularly provide legal inputs to consultancy projects and offer guidance based on commercial needs and realities.

Customs                                Trucking                     Trade                        

Our firm advises clients ranging from small import-export businesses to multinationals in matters such as tariff classification, customs valuation, origin of goods and export controls. We are members of the National Commodity Tax, Customs and Trade section of the Canadian Bar Association. William Sharpe has advised clients on marine aspects of Canadian customs law such as temporary importation of ships and coasting trade licenses.

In addition to our transportation litigation practice, we can assist you in regulatory planning and compliance. The firm regularly advises on CVOR as well as the International Registration Plan (IRP) and the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA)

 Our firm advises on international trade matters. We use a variety of methods to facilitate transactions and resolve disputes, including international arbitration proceedings such as the International Chamber of Commerce  DOCDEX.