Prentice Durbin*
*Prentice Durbin Law Corporation
Partner
He/Him
Prentice is sought after for his practical approach to the law.
Biography
Prentice is a senior partner at Harper Grey and the co-chair of our business law group. With nearly twenty years of experience, Prentice’s practice involves advising entrepreneurs at any stage, from start-up and early growth to large-scale established businesses, in a wide variety of corporate/commercial and securities issues. He focuses on stimulating creativity and growth, helping businesses thrive, and providing counsel, guidance and practical solutions to his clients.
Prentice is routinely recognized as a leader in his field and has been ranked by multiple legal ranking publications, including Best Lawyers and Lexpert.
During his tenure, Prentice has played a vital role in helping his clients make sound business choices. He offers clients an understanding of the operations and challenges specific to a variety of commercial industries and environments, particularly in the technology sector. His clients regularly turn to him as they seek and pursue new business endeavours.
Active in the legal community, Prentice is a prolific speaker and presenter. He supports various organizations focused on assisting entrepreneurs and is a guest lecturer at UBC’s Sauder School of Business.
Assistance Team 
Expertise
Education
University of British Columbia, LL.B., 2005
University of British Columbia, M.B.A., 2005
University of New Brunswick, B.A. (With Distinction), 1997
Languages spoken
- English
Experience
Representative Experience / Transactions
$10M bought-deal equity financing
$10M sale of SaaS business to US private equity firm
Counsel to special committees
Cross-border business combination via Plan of Arrangement
Cross-border Preferred Share Exchange and Sale
Acquisition of airport terminal restaurant division
Subscription Receipt Financing and Reverse Takeover
Reporting issuer private placement
Acquisition of Patent Portfolio and Licensing Program from US target
Sale of BC-based technology company via Plan of Arrangement
Tax-loss sale of technology company
Acquisition of US Target via Reverse Triangular Merger
$69M bought-deal equity financing
$1.3B sale of diagnostics business
$100M bought-deal equity financing
$23M bought-deal equity financing
$40M sale of BC-based technology company
$4M US Venture Capital financing
$5M US Venture Capital financing
Financing and Acquisition of a trucking company
Acquisition of a local restaurant
Shareholder buyout by Founder Group
Helping Businesses Thrive
Prentice assists clients in a sound and practical way to help them reach their business goals. He understands business operations, and service expectations. His work includes:
Business entity formation and structuring
Shareholders’ Agreements
Venture capital and private equity financing
Public offerings and private placements
Mergers and acquisitions
Joint ventures and partnerships
Business purchases and sales
Reviewing business plans
Contracts with suppliers, distributors and customers
Licensing and intellectual property agreements
Compensation and equity incentive plans
Creativity and Growth
Prentice offers new and existing businesses with creative approaches to dealing with their legal issues. Whether Prentice is advising a client in the early or growth stages or in forming an exit strategy, he understands how to assist clients to achieve their goals. Prentice serves as counsel to both entrepreneurs and corporate clients in both the private and public sectors, advising on a wide range of securities and corporate/commercial issues.
Counselor and Business Professional
Prior to practising law, Prentice spent more than five years in the private sector as a corporate professional. His experience ranged from marketing and investor relations, to financing/structuring transactions, to risk analysis and management. Prentice advises his clients with a full repertoire and understanding of stakeholder demands.
Professional Credentials
Leadership
- Business Law Section, BC Branch of the Canadian Bar Association, Past Chair
- Harper Grey Business Law Group, Co-Chair
- Harper Grey Mentoring Program, Mentor
- St. George’s School Foundation, Past Chair
- St. George’s School Society, Former Director
- St. George’s Old Boys Association, Past President
- UBC Sauder School of Business, Guest Lecturer
- University of Victoria Business Law Clinic, Mentor
Memberships
- Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch, Member
- The Law Society of British Columbia, Member
- Vancouver Bar Association (VBA), Member
Recognition
Recognized as a “Leading Lawyer” in the area of Corporate Law by Best Lawyers® in Canada
2017-2024Recognized as a “Leading Lawyer” in the area of Mergers & Acquisitions by Best Lawyers® in Canada
2018-2024Recognized as a “Leading Lawyer” in the area of Venture Capital Law by Best Lawyers® in Canada
2024
Recognized as a “Repeatedly Recommended” in the area of Corporate Mid-Market by Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory®, 2024
2024Recognized as a “Consistently Recommended” in the area of Corporate Mid-Market by Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory®
2022 -2023Recognized as a “Repeatedly Recommended” in the area of Technology Transactions by Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory®
2024Recognized as a “Consistently Recommended” in the area of Technology Transactions by Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory®
2022 -2023Recognized as a “Repeatedly Recommended” in the area of Corporate Commercial Law by Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory®
2018, 2021-2022 , 2024Recognized as a “Repeatedly Recommended” in the area of M&A Law by Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory®
2021, 2023Recognized as a “Repeatedly Recommended” in the area of Corporate Finance Law by Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory®
2021, 2023 -2024
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