About Us
A boutique law firm with combined expertise in franchise and business disputes, and a national presence.
We are a franchise, commercial, and real estate dispute resolution boutique law firm located in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. Since his start in Toronto in 1998, over twenty-five years ago, our principal, Ben Hanuka, has represented Canadian and international franchisors and franchisees, businesses, investors and professionals in a wide range of franchise, commercial and real estate disputes, as well as negligence claims.
Our History
Our firm was founded in 2012 by the firm’s principal, Ben Hanuka, an experienced commercial and franchise litigator. For many years before launching Law Works, Ben led a successful career in downtown Toronto, at a mid-sized firm, followed by a boutique litigation firm.
Ben frequently writes, presents and provides commentary to the legal and general media about franchise law, civil litigation, arbitration, the future of the legal profession, and legal technology.
Areas of Expertise
Law Works focuses on a handful of key areas where we have particular expertise: franchise, real estate and broader corporate/commercial disputes. Our wide-ranging and extensive work in these types of disputes also enables us to advise parties on potential risk so that they can avoid litigation.
How We Work with Clients
We often act for different stakeholders in various industries. This understanding gives us a unique position to advocate effectively on our clients’ behalf towards a settlement or other legal resolution. We tend to build long standing relationships with our clients, establishing trust and a better understanding of their business operations.
What Sets Us Apart
Advocates & Advisors
We have combined substantive expertise as courtroom (or arbitration) advocates as well as advisors around the boardroom table in all areas of franchise, real estate and corporate/commercial disputes.
Boutique Firm with a National Presence
We are a small specialty firm, yet our practice is national – we advise and represent parties from British Columbia to Ontario. We are in tune with the business and legal cultures in each province.
A Long History of Representing the "Underdog"
The “David v. Goliath” story is in our DNA. It is not always the “little guy” who is the “David” in this analogy. In addition to a small franchisee or tenant, our clients may also be more established, such as a franchisor in a franchise dispute, a landlord in a lease or real estate dispute, or an investor in a real estate disputes.
In every case, we represent our clients in a fight against some unfairness or systemic bias, be it against a more powerful party, or against a law or legal system that is applied unfairly.
Here are some recent case examples
of representing the “underdog”:
- Established franchisor fighting against unfair application of technicalities in franchise legislation.
- Owner/operator franchisee seeking recourse against bad faith conduct and abusive corporate behaviour.
- Private landlord in a dispute with an established tenant who is taking advantage against the landlord.
- Real estate investor defending its corporate rights in a real estate investment deal.
A Team-Based Approach
We often represent clients in high-stakes disputes. Our highly educated legal professionals work as a tight-knit team, collaborating on file work, research, writing and representation. We also leverage the latest technology as much as possible to work effectively in the representation of our clients.
Testimonials
What people are saying
Five star rating
The Founding of Law Works
The firm’s principal, Ben Hanuka, founded Law Works in Ontario in 2012, after 15 years of practising law at a mid-size firm and a boutique litigation firm. It started as a very small office with a bare bones staff. Gradually, the firm took on more diverse clients and acted as counsel in increasingly more complex cases.
Law Works Today
We have a vibrant practice in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia, focusing on franchise, as well as commercial and real estate disputes. Our team of legal professionals enjoys the challenge of representing clients in a wide variety of franchise and commercial disputes in Ontario and British Columbia, as well as other Western provinces.
Expansion into British Columbia
In 2017, after British Columbia passed its own franchise legislation, Law Works expanded its practice into BC.
Expansion into Alberta
In 2024, to accommodate growing business and franchising in Alberta, Ben Hanuka expanded his practice to Calgary.
The Future of Law Works
The firm is looking to solidify its position as leader in franchise litigation disputes coast-to-coast and to continue to build up our commercial real estate litigation practice with a growing team of lawyers.
Interested in joining our team?
Head over to our careers page to see any opportunities
we have at Law Works
Subscribe and Receive the Guide of your Preference
Subscribe to our newsletter by selecting the custom guide designed for your role
* By entering your email, you agree to our Terms of Service + Privacy Policy, including receipt of emails and promotions. You can unsubscribe at any time.
