Prentice Durbin*

*Prentice Durbin Law Corporation

Partner

He/Him

Prentice is sought after for his practical approach to the law.

Biography

Prentice is a senior partner at Harper Grey and the co-chair of our business law group. With nearly twenty years of experience, Prentice’s practice involves advising entrepreneurs at any stage, from start-up and early growth to large-scale established businesses, in a wide variety of corporate/commercial and securities issues. He focuses on stimulating creativity and growth, helping businesses thrive, and providing counsel, guidance and practical solutions to his clients.

Prentice is routinely recognized as a leader in his field and has been ranked by multiple legal ranking publications, including Best Lawyers and Lexpert.

During his tenure, Prentice has played a vital role in helping his clients make sound business choices. He offers clients an understanding of the operations and challenges specific to a variety of commercial industries and environments, particularly in the technology sector. His clients regularly turn to him as they seek and pursue new business endeavours.

Active in the legal community, Prentice is a prolific speaker and presenter. He supports various organizations focused on assisting entrepreneurs and is a guest lecturer at UBC’s Sauder School of Business.

Assistance Team
Legal Administrative Assistant

Edel McEnteggart

Legal Administrative Assistant

[email protected] Contact by email
Expertise
Education
  • University of British Columbia, LL.B., 2005

  • University of British Columbia, M.B.A., 2005

  • University of New Brunswick, B.A. (With Distinction), 1997

Bar Admission
  • British Columbia, 2006
Languages spoken
  • English
Experience
Representative Experience / Transactions
  • $10M bought-deal equity financing

  • $10M sale of SaaS business to US private equity firm

  • Counsel to special committees

  • Cross-border business combination via Plan of Arrangement

  • Cross-border Preferred Share Exchange and Sale

  • Acquisition of airport terminal restaurant division

  • Subscription Receipt Financing and Reverse Takeover

  • Reporting issuer private placement

  • Acquisition of Patent Portfolio and Licensing Program from US target

  • Sale of BC-based technology company via Plan of Arrangement

  • Tax-loss sale of technology company

  • Acquisition of US Target via Reverse Triangular Merger

  • $69M bought-deal equity financing

  • $1.3B sale of diagnostics business

  • $100M bought-deal equity financing

  • $23M bought-deal equity financing

  • $40M sale of BC-based technology company

  • $4M US Venture Capital financing

  • $5M US Venture Capital financing

  • Financing and Acquisition of a trucking company

  • Acquisition of a local restaurant

  • Shareholder buyout by Founder Group

Helping Businesses Thrive

Prentice assists clients in a sound and practical way to help them reach their business goals. He understands business operations, and service expectations. His work includes:

  • Business entity formation and structuring

  • Shareholders’ Agreements

  • Venture capital and private equity financing

  • Public offerings and private placements

  • Mergers and acquisitions

  • Joint ventures and partnerships

  • Business purchases and sales

  • Reviewing business plans

  • Contracts with suppliers, distributors and customers

  • Licensing and intellectual property agreements

  • Compensation and equity incentive plans

Creativity and Growth

Prentice offers new and existing businesses with creative approaches to dealing with their legal issues. Whether Prentice is advising a client in the early or growth stages or in forming an exit strategy, he understands how to assist clients to achieve their goals. Prentice serves as counsel to both entrepreneurs and corporate clients in both the private and public sectors, advising on a wide range of securities and corporate/commercial issues.

Counselor and Business Professional

Prior to practising law, Prentice spent more than five years in the private sector as a corporate professional. His experience ranged from marketing and investor relations, to financing/structuring transactions, to risk analysis and management. Prentice advises his clients with a full repertoire and understanding of stakeholder demands.

Professional Credentials
Leadership
  • Business Law Section, BC Branch of the Canadian Bar Association, Past Chair
  • Harper Grey Business Law Group, Co-Chair
  • Harper Grey Mentoring Program, Mentor
  • St. George’s School Foundation, Past Chair
  • St. George’s School Society, Former Director
  • St. George’s Old Boys Association, Past President
  • UBC Sauder School of Business, Guest Lecturer
  • University of Victoria Business Law Clinic, Mentor
Memberships
  • Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch, Member
  • The Law Society of British Columbia, Member
  • Vancouver Bar Association (VBA), Member

Recognition

Recognized as a “Leading Lawyer” in the area of Corporate Law by Best Lawyers® in Canada

2017-2024

Recognized as a “Leading Lawyer” in the area of Mergers & Acquisitions by Best Lawyers® in Canada

2018-2024

Recognized as a “Leading Lawyer” in the area of Venture Capital Law by Best Lawyers® in Canada

2024

Recognized as a “Repeatedly Recommended” in the area of Corporate Mid-Market by Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory®, 2024

2024

Recognized as a “Consistently Recommended” in the area of Corporate Mid-Market by Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory®

2022 -2023

Recognized as a “Repeatedly Recommended” in the area of Technology Transactions by Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory®

2024

Recognized as a “Consistently Recommended” in the area of Technology Transactions by Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory®

2022 -2023

Recognized as a “Repeatedly Recommended” in the area of Corporate Commercial Law by Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory®

2018, 2021-2022 , 2024

Recognized as a “Repeatedly Recommended” in the area of M&A Law by Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory®

2021, 2023

Recognized as a “Repeatedly Recommended” in the area of Corporate Finance Law by Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory®

2021, 2023 -2024
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Get in touch with

Prentice Durbin*

The Latest

Join Harper Grey and Vancouver Tech Journal for morning coffee and donuts with founders and entrepreneurs
Join Harper Grey and Vancouver Tech Journal for morning coffee and donuts with founders and entrepreneurs Join Harper Grey and Vancouver Tech Journal for morning coffee and donuts with founders and entrepreneurs Join Harper Grey and Vancouver Tech Journal for morning coffee and donuts with founders and entrepreneurs
Prentice Durbin, Rose Keith, KC, and W. Sean Taylor to attend TAG Alliances Spring 2024 International Conference
Prentice Durbin, Rose Keith, KC, and W. Sean Taylor to attend TAG Alliances Spring 2024 International Conference
22 Harper Grey lawyers recognized as “Leading Practitioners” by Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory 2024
22 Harper Grey lawyers recognized as “Leading Practitioners” by Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory 2024
Steven Lukas, Prentice Durbin and Rose Keith, KC attend TAG Alliances Fall 2023 International Conference
Steven Lukas, Prentice Durbin and Rose Keith, KC attend TAG Alliances Fall 2023 International Conference
Harper Grey Attends 2023 BCTIA Technology Impact Awards
Harper Grey Attends 2023 BCTIA Technology Impact Awards
Prentice Durbin to moderate panel at 8th annual Vancouver Business Transitions Forum
Prentice Durbin to moderate panel at 8th annual Vancouver Business Transitions Forum Prentice Durbin to moderate panel at 8th annual Vancouver Business Transitions Forum
Harper Grey receives 72 rankings from Best Lawyers Canada 2024
Harper Grey receives 72 rankings from Best Lawyers Canada 2024
Prentice Durbin recognized in Lexpert® Special Edition: Technology and Health 2023
Prentice Durbin recognized in Lexpert® Special Edition: Technology and Health 2023 Prentice Durbin recognized in Lexpert® Special Edition: Technology and Health 2023
Corinne Caldwell, Prentice Durbin, Rose Keith KC & John Sullivan to attend upcoming TAG Alliances Spring 2023 International Conference
Corinne Caldwell, Prentice Durbin, Rose Keith KC & John Sullivan to attend upcoming TAG Alliances Spring 2023 International Conference
21 Harper Grey lawyers recognized as “Leading Practitioners” by Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory 2023
21 Harper Grey lawyers recognized as “Leading Practitioners” by Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory 2023
Prentice Durbin and Jeff Sheremeta attend Business Transitions Forum Vancouver
Prentice Durbin and Jeff Sheremeta attend Business Transitions Forum Vancouver Prentice Durbin and Jeff Sheremeta attend Business Transitions Forum Vancouver Prentice Durbin and Jeff Sheremeta attend Business Transitions Forum Vancouver
Harper Grey lawyers attend BC Tech Association 2022 Technology Impact Awards
Harper Grey lawyers attend BC Tech Association 2022 Technology Impact Awards
Harper Grey proudly sponsors and attends 2022 ACCE West Coast Gala
Harper Grey proudly sponsors and attends 2022 ACCE West Coast Gala
Prentice Durbin to speak at 7th annual Vancouver Business Transitions Forum
Prentice Durbin to speak at 7th annual Vancouver Business Transitions Forum Prentice Durbin to speak at 7th annual Vancouver Business Transitions Forum
Harper Grey receives 52 rankings from Best Lawyers Canada 2023
Harper Grey receives 52 rankings from Best Lawyers Canada 2023
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