Michal is a trusted, strategic advisor. He appreciates that only by understanding his clients can one truly help achieve their goals.
Michal is client-centered because he has been in our clients’ shoes. He was an in-house counsel for almost six years at UBC. He knows the value of responsiveness and efficiency and providing clear, actionable advice on time and on budget. As a Partner at Clark Wilson, Michal draws on the expertise of the firm’s cross-disciplinary teams to connect clients with the people, resources and solutions they need to succeed. This results in unparalleled sectoral knowledge (particularly within the post-secondary community) coupled with top-tier legal advice.
Work Highlights
General Governance and Regulatory
- Provided advice on the interpretation and application of various provisions of the Societies Act, Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act, Income Tax Act (regarding charities), Financial Administration Act, University Act, the College and Institute Act and the Degree Authorization Act.
- Led the development, review and interpretation of corporate bylaws and policies, such as board manuals, donation policies, intellectual property polices, and capital project (construction and procurement) policies and practices.
- Provide advice and guidance to various organizations regarding the creation and management of affiliated entities, such as property trusts, corporate subsidiaries, and parallel foundations.
Charities & Non-Profit / Public Sector Governance and Regulatory
- Provide advice and guidance on structuring and incorporation of non-profits and charitable registration.
- Provide advice and guidance on Income Tax Act compliance in charitable giving, including reviewing gift-related policies, donation agreements, and gift administration, including dealing with restricted funds.
Real Estate and Construction
- Worked with major land licensing, leasing, and purchase and sale transactions for non-profits of all sizes, including transactions involving the donation of land, directly with charities and non-profits, and their subsidiaries.
- Worked extensively with public sector organizations and their subsidiaries on governance, land development and regulation, and strategic initiatives.
- Developed and implemented procurement strategies and templates, and drafted and advised on specific procurements, including negotiated RFPs and tenders.
- Advised on construction agreements, including bespoke forms of agreement and industry standard forms.
Michal’s strong ties to the post-secondary community in BC, as well as in the rest of Canada, provide him context and perspectives on best practices and trends in education as well as the broader public sector and charities & non-profit sectors. As a sought-after authority, Michal not only provides advice to clients but also fosters a culture of collaboration and information sharing by leading several regional and national discussion groups.
When there are new developments in the law, he is frequently one of the first to share his insights and one of the few who offers their time, expertise and strategic network to bring the higher learning community together and find an effective way forward.
Michal is enthusiastic about finding collaborative and economical solutions. He proactively seeks out opportunities for groups of clients to engage in joint projects that share the costs and benefits of legal services.
Services
| Structuring new charities and non-profits | Advising on Board governance including bylaws, policy development and advice |
| Structuring special purpose vehicles (corporate subsidiaries, property trusts, etc.) | Real estate development, licensing and leasing |
| Public sector procurement and contracting | Intellectual Property, including Copyright advisory services and policy drafting |
| Drafting and negotiating various commercial agreements |
Michal has developed many strong relationships through his deep commitment to advancing the higher learning sector. He is currently a member of the Langara College Foundation Board, and serves on the Board of Great Northern Way Campus Ltd. (trustee of the Great Northern Way Campus Trust and home of the Centre for Digital Media). Michal is also the Treasurer (and past President) of the Canadian Association of University Solicitors, and a past chair of the Board of Governors of Langara College.
These experiences have given him an appreciation for the challenges faced by boards, executives, and staff of charities and non-profits of all sizes, shapes, and regulatory environments and for how to best advise them.
Unafraid to embark into uncharted terrain with clients, Michal comes armed with a serious but irrepressibly positive attitude, always looking to de-mystify the law and find creative and cost-effective solutions.
Awards & Distinctions
- Best Lawyers® in Canada, Technology Law, 2020-2022, Commercial Leasing Law, 2023-2025, Education Law, 2025
