 Bennett Jones Education University of Calgary, BA, 2014 Queen Mary, University of London, LL.B., (Honours), 2016 University of British Columbia, LL.M., 2017 Bar Admissions British Columbia, 2018 Overview Laura James maintains a broad corporate and commercial law practice, with a primary focus on mergers and acquisitions. Her practice spans a variety of industries and includes advising private companies, fund sponsors, institutional investors and not-for-profit organizations. Laura has extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions (including distressed transactions), private equity investments and divestitures, complex corporate reorganizations, shareholder disputes, venture capital investments and private fund formation. She also provides strategic advice on corporate governance and other complex business matters. Known for her technical expertise, practical perspective and ability to manage high-stakes, complex transactions, Laura provides strategic, practical and creative solutions to help clients navigate challenging decisions and tight timelines with confidence. Clients value her responsiveness, strategic thinking and ability to provide clear, actionable advice that drives results. Prior to joining Bennett Jones, Laura practiced at a large regional law firm in British Columbia, where she gained significant experience advising clients on a wide range of corporate and commercial matters. Experience • Bios Wellness Clinics in its acquisition of True Balance Longevity Institute, an operator of three clinics specializing in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), medical aesthetics, functional health, IV vitamin therapy, and weight management, and corresponding financings • Bios Wellness Clinics in its roll-up acquisition of various medical aesthetics and wellness clinics across British Columbia and Alberta • Generis Global Partners in its sale to 17208227 Canada Inc., a subsidiary of Emerald X • Acted for a private buyer in their indirect acquisition of Niagara Fasteners Inc., and related financing matters. • CrowdCare Corporation dba Wysdom.AI in its sale to Calabrio, a portfolio company of Thoma Bravo. • EFL Global, LLC in its acquisition of Locher Evers International Inc., a provider of logistics services, including air freight, ocean freight, customs brokerage, rail service, warehousing, distribution, fulfillment, domestic trucking, and drayage. • PI Financial Corp. and Echelon Wealth Partners Inc. and their affiliates in their merger to create a leading investment advisory, wealth management, and capital markets firm. • AVAC Ltd. as manager and general partner in connection with the formation of Carrot Ventures Fund I., L.P. a venture capital fund forming new agricultural technology companies with total initial committed capital of $15-million. Recognitions & Awards Best Lawyers in Canada • Ones to Watch, Mergers and Acquisitions Law Expert Guides • 2021 Rising Star: Corporate, M&A, Private Equity 2022 Rising Star: Corporate, M&A, Private Equity |