Business Details
42 Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Winnipeg
Established in 1984, Hook & Smith has built a reputation as a trusted legal partner in Winnipeg. Our firm specializes in corporate and commercial law, real estate transactions, wills and estates, transportation law, and construction law, serving individuals, businesses, and nonprofits. With decades of combined experience, our team prioritizes personalized service, community engagement, and meticulous attention to legal detail. We operate from a foundation of professionalism and accessibility, ensuring clients receive tailored solutions for complex legal challenges.Our commitment to excellence extends beyond client representation to include active contributions to local community initiatives. Through strategic analysis, thorough research, and clear communication, we guide clients through legal processes with confidence and clarity. Our practice balances technical expertise with a client-centered approach, fostering long-standing relationships built on trust and results.
Services
Corporate Law
Real Estate Law
Wills and Estates
Transportation Law
Construction Law
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of legal expertise in Manitoba
- Our community-based approach ensures personalized client attention
- Diverse practice areas cover complex legal needs
- Team includes recognized specialists in multiple law fields
- Proven track record in corporate, real estate, and construction law
Services
Corporate Law
We provide comprehensive legal support for businesses from formation to operation. Our services include corporate structuring, shareholder agreements, compliance filings, and transactional guidance. With expertise in Manitoba business regulations, we help companies navigate legal requirements while protecting their interests through strategic counsel and documentation.
Real Estate Law
Our firm handles residential and commercial real estate transactions with precision. Services include title searches, contract preparation, and closing representation. We advise buyers, sellers, and developers on property transfers, zoning regulations, and financing arrangements while ensuring compliance with provincial real estate legislation for both new and established properties.
Wills and Estates
We create customized estate plans including wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Our services ensure asset distribution according to client wishes while minimizing legal complications. We guide executors through probate processes and administer estates with attention to legal requirements and family needs.
Transportation Law
Specializing in railway regulation and operations, we advise on service level agreements, line discontinuance proceedings, and transportation contracts. Our practice covers federal and provincial compliance matters, including licensing, safety regulations, and dispute resolution for short line railways and related stakeholders.
Construction Law
We provide legal counsel for construction projects from contract negotiation to dispute resolution. Our services include lien claims, project documentation, and compliance guidance under Manitoba's Builders Liens Act. We represent owners, contractors, and developers in both transactional matters and litigation related to infrastructure development.
People
Dennis A. Smith
Co-Founder
LL.B graduate from University of Manitoba with over 35 years of legal experience. Specializes in corporate law and real estate. Lectures on contract law and contributes to community legal education programs.
Winston F. Smith
Senior Counsel
K.C. designation with nearly five decades of legal practice. Expertise in corporate law, transportation law, and estate matters. Former regional counsel for Canadian Pacific Limited and active legal educator at University of Manitoba.
Geoffrey B. Toews
Corporate Lawyer
Juris Doctor from Bond University with focus on commercial real estate and corporate governance. Member of Manitoba Bar Association and experienced in estate administration and business law matters.
Thomas W. Turner
Construction Law Specialist
LL.B graduate with extensive experience in construction law. Former chair of Manitoba Bar Association's Construction subsection. Expert in Builders Liens Act and construction litigation matters.
Questions
What areas of law does Hook & Smith specialize in?
We specialize in corporate and commercial law, real estate transactions, wills and estates, transportation law, and construction law.
How long has Hook & Smith been in operation?
Our firm has served Winnipeg and surrounding areas since 1984, providing legal services for over 35 years.
Do you handle both residential and commercial real estate matters?
Yes, our real estate practice covers both residential transactions and commercial property dealings including industrial buildings and apartment blocks.
Can you assist with estate planning and probate processes?
We provide comprehensive estate planning services including wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, along with probate administration guidance.
What transportation law services do you offer?
Our transportation law practice focuses on railway regulation, including service level agreements, line discontinuance proceedings, and compliance matters.
Do you represent clients in construction law disputes?
Yes, we handle construction law matters including lien claims, contract disputes, and litigation under Manitoba's Builders Liens Act.
