Bill Northcote

Bill Northcote, Chair of Shibley Righton LLP’s business law practice group, enjoys an eclectic variety of interests outside practising law - such as blues and roots music, travel (about 56 “countries” and counting) and a serious pursuit of still photography. Bill brings that same dedication and thoroughness to his practice of business law with particular emphasis on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and financing. He understands that the practice of law is essentially about serving the needs and expectations of clients and he recognizes that his relationship with his clients is essentially a personal relationship.

Bill believes that to meet the needs and expectations of clients he has to understand his client’s business and its business environment. He has served on the boards of a number of clients, both public and closely-held, that carry on diverse types of businesses (including life reinsurance consulting, trade and direct investment consulting in the East Asia, postage meter and equipment distribution, software development and licensing, marketing and distribution of consumer products). Bill uses his skills to find legal solutions that are effective and economical. Client’s often ask for Bill’s business advice in addition to his legal expertise knowing that they can benefit from his over thirty-five years of experience. For many clients Bill fills the role of trusted advisor.

Bill’s 35 years of legal experience complement a strong academic background. Bill received an LL.M. (International Business Law) from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1992, an LL.B. (cum laude) from the University of Ottawa and a Bachelor of Arts (Economics and History) from the University of Toronto. While in law school, Bill served as member of the Board of Editors of the Ottawa Law Review.  Bill is also the author of the Canada Chapter in Media, Advertising and Entertainment Law Throughout the World published and updated annually by Thomson Reuters, and a number of published articles on legal topics such as Merger and Acquisitions representations, Cultural Industries under the FTA, International Commercial Arbitration and Equipment Leasing. Bill has taught at York University in Toronto and in Nankai University, Tianjin, in China on business law issues and was an instructor in the Law Society of Ontario’s Bar Admission Course for over ten years.

Bill has served for over 10 years as a director of Multilaw, one of the law firm networks in which Shibley Righton is an active member. He also currently serves as its Vice-Chairman Americas Region (North America) and as the chair of its Rules and Governance Committee.