Michal Jaworski

First Year of Call

Areas of Practice
Government Relations & Public Policy

Description
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.

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.