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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Testimonials

What people are saying

Five star rating

Ben Hanuka and his team are professional and knowledgeable [in] franchise law. He has been instrumental in winning my case all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada.

F. Mendoza, Google Review

I can without hesitation recommend Ben and associates as: ethical, diligent, client-focused, direct, and forthcoming to a fault. They allow the client to be aware of their options with realism - no sugar coating. Five stars in my book.

Sam Davis, CEO, International News, Ontario

Thank you for all your help with redoing our Disclosure Document as well as all the legal work you provide our organization. Your work and knowledge as a franchising lawyer has to be in the top 3 in Canada.

Andrew Hrywnak, President, Print Three Franchising Corp

I have worked with many businesses, including law firms, and Law Works was one of those that offered exceptional service in a very efficient manner at all times. I have always been extremely satisfied with the work that has been completed and would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone.

Dr. Lorraine Vosu, Clinical Director, Toronto Hearing Services, Ontario

I have been relying on Mr. Hanuka’s legal expertise for over 10 years for my corporate, professional and personal matters in Ontario. His attention to detail and knowledge of Ontario and Canadian laws are vast. His concept and execution of the law is clear, concise, and efficient, especially in areas of litigation.

Dr. Norman Kwan, Dentist and Owner, Biomedical Implant Technology Inc., Ontario

Ben Hanuka and his team at Law Works provided me with first-rate service. Their advice was timely, cost-effective and critical to the success of our claim.

Jeremy H. H. Hockin, Partner, Parlee McLaws LLP, Edmonton and Calgary

Law Works helped us with some work with our Franchise organization and they were super helpful… The consultation was priceless. Highly recommend for other Franchisees to chat with these folks.

Martin Fiesel, Regional Owner/Master Franchisee, home inspection franchise, Alberta

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.

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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.

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Interested in joining our team?

Head over to our careers page to see any opportunities
we have at Law Works

Careers