Michael J. G. Wright | J.D.

General Information

I am a 2003 graduate of the College of Law, University of Saskatchewan, and I was called to both the Alberta Bar and Saskatchewan Bar in 2004. Upon my graduation from the College of Law in 2003, I moved to Calgary where I practiced for 11 years with 2 major international law firms. I also did an 18-month secondment at the Alberta Securities Commission in the department of Corporate Finance.  The focus of my practice in Calgary was corporate and commercial law, commercial finance, and securities law.

In 2013 I moved back to Saskatoon to be closer to my family and enjoy the slower pace of life in Saskatoon.  I continued to practice with a high-end national business law firm in Saskatoon until May 2020 when I decided to join Bergerman Smith LLP, a decision that I have not regretted since the day I joined. Working in a smaller firm has broadened my practice base even more and I have developed what I believe is an extremely broad skill set.  Below are my preferred areas of practice:

Legal Experience:

Public Company Advising

I have advised companies listed on the TSX, TSX Venture Exchange, New York Stock Exchange and foreign stock exchanges like the London Stock Exchange and the Oslo Stock Exchange.

General Securities Law

Securities law has always been one of my core practice areas.  Given the type of capital markets we have in Saskatchewan, my practice tends to focus on exempt market securities offerings (i.e., accredited investors, private companies, and offering memorandums) and private placements. I have also conducted hearings before the Alberta Securities Commission (both for the Commission and for people charged with securities law violations) and the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority here in Saskatchewan.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Corporate asset and share transactions have always been another core practice area for me and I have acted for both buyers and sellers in asset purchase and share purchase transactions in more industries that I can remember.

Corporate Law

I have formed corporations, partnerships, limited partnerships, joint ventures, trusts, and more recently I have acted for several non-profit corporations in their formation and applying for charitable status under the Income Tax Act (Canada)

Commercial Finance

I have acted for both lenders and borrowers with respect to all aspects of lending, including due diligence, drafting, and registering security documents. I have also dealt with syndication agreements and syndicated loan facilities that involve multiple lenders.

Corporate Governance

I have worked with several for-profit and not-for profit boards. I have drafted internal policies and have advised boards on a great number of board issues. I have also been a director of several non-profit corporations.

General Legal Work

I also still do the basics—wills, estates, healthcare directives, and residential and commercial real estate.

Education

Bachelor of Arts, University of Saskatchewan, Graduated 1997 with High Honours

Master of Science, London School of Economics, Graduated 1999 with Honours

Juris Doctorate, College of Law, University of Saskatchewan, Graduated 2003

Master of Law, Osgood Hall Law School, Proposed Completion December 2022

Community Involvement

Director, Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce (Warman and Martensville)

Board Chair, Prairie Spirit Schools Foundation

Former Member, University of Saskatchewan Research Ethics Board (2016-2020)

Former Chair, Canadian Bar Association, Securities Subsection (2016)

Sessional Lecturer, College of Law, University of Saskatchewan (2020), Securities Regulation

Former Sessional Lecturer, College of Law, University of Saskatchewan (2013-18), Corporate Securities Moot Coach