COVID-19 update: Our office is open weekdays from 8:30am – 4:30pm for scheduled appointments only. Social distancing and stringent sanitization practices will be observed. We continue to offer the option to meet via online video conference. Thank you for your understanding as we work together as a community to remain healthy and safe.
WELCOME TO
ARCUS LEGAL
Arcus Legal is about people like you – individuals, business owners and families – people who care about making this community great for generations to come.
We are here for you. We’ll take care of your legal issues by advancing and protecting your interests, and by working towards the best possible outcomes, so you can focus on your success.
Our Services
Tax Planning
You’re a hard-working business owner. You’ve earned your success, and we want you to maintain that success by keeping more money in your business. Nearly every business decision you make has an impact on your taxes. Effective tax saving strategies can include incorporating, restructuring ownership, income splitting, deferring earnings, arranging loans, and developing corporate structures that include holding companies or family trusts. We’ll find the right solution, applying our experience in a number of areas, including:
- Strategic ownership structures;
- Compensation arrangements;
- Profit structures;
- Financing structures;
- Transaction structures to utilize deductions; and
- Customized owner-manager tax strategies.
If you believe your business tax planning could be better, you’re probably right. Talk to us.
Estates, Trusts and Wills
It’s a fact of life – you need a will. When planning your estate, the more strategic, professional and comprehensive your legal advice, the more your family will benefit. While estate planning might seem to be a simple process, this area of law can be particularly complicated. We cover the preparation of basic wills, and other services some families need, including advice, planning and administration on trust arrangements, guardianship applications, probate issues, powers of attorney, and many other matters. Our services in this area include:
- Preparing your last will and testament;
- Personal directives, commonly known as “living wills”, to plan for incapacity;
- Effective organization of personal affairs to minimize taxes and preserve wealth;
- Customized structures to hold certain assets;
- Gift planning; and
- Testamentary trusts.
Whether you’re just starting the estate planning process, or want to review and update, we are here to help.
Corporate and Commercial
Your business is our concern. Whether you’re starting off, expanding operations, or protecting an established entity, your corporate records and contracts should evolve with you. We at Arcus Legal are here to ensure you take the right steps at every stage, by providing advice, negotiation in the following areas (and then some):
- Business Planning;
- Incorporations;
- Corporate registrations;
- Buying or selling assets;
- Corporate governance;
- Financing;
- Reorganizations;
- Supplier contracts; and
- Ownership agreements.
If you want to discuss one of these topics, or another area of business law, we’d love to hear from you.
Real Estate
After “location, location, location,” we think the next rule of Real Estate is “law, law, law.” Whether you’re the buyer or the seller, a successful real estate transaction requires covering the finer points of often complex deals. For that reason, it’s nice to have a lawyer who is well-versed in all aspects of real estate: purchases and sales, leasing, financing, and other transactional needs. At Arcus Legal, we advise buyers, sellers, developers, investors, lenders, and borrowers. We cover residential and commercial transactions, including multi-residential, industrial and institutional properties. Our experience includes:
- Residential property purchases and sales;
- Commercial property purchases and sales;
- Development financing and management;
- Commercial leases;
- Planning and zoning issues and applications; and
- Assessment appeals.
Should you have a real estate transaction on the horizon, come speak to us early in the process so you can take the next steps with confidence.
About Us
Whether you’re an individual or a business owner, if you need effective legal advice in tax planning, real estate, business law or estate planning, we have you covered at every stage of the journey.
About Arcus Legal
Whether you’re an individual or a business owner, if you need effective legal advice in tax planning, real estate, business law or estate planning, we have you covered at every stage of the journey.
Of course, this expertise covers owner-managed tax structures, business purchases and sales, succession planning, corporate/commercial transactions, probate & administration, and other forms of advice and documentation – at exactly the level you need, exactly when you need it.
When you visit our office, you’ll find a welcoming environment where you can plug in, grab a coffee, pat the dog and collaborate with our legal professionals – all of whom really know their areas and truly want you to succeed. They will provide helpful solutions, and work on your behalf with dedication and efficiency. If you want to stay and get even more work done, just pull up a desk. We’ll be happy to host you.
Our Team
Lawyer
902‑706‑4550 ext 101
mbilodeau@arcuslegal.ca
Myles L. Bilodeau, JD, TEP
Lawyer & President
902‑706‑4550 ext 101
mbilodeau@arcuslegal.ca
“Arcus Legal enables us to join forces to provide a wide range of professional services to our clients.”
– Myles Bilodeau
Myles is an experienced tax planning lawyer. He brings more than a decade of experience in tax planning for small and medium sized businesses, with a focus on optimizing tax structures for owner managers.
He is dedicated to working with growth-focused business owners to ensure their business objectives are met in the most tax effective manner. He has a particular interest in helping owner managers design tax structures that both minimize tax and enhance creditor protection.
Myles believes in the power of supportive leadership and creating unique bonds with team members. He values motivated and dedicated people above all, because they value their clients and take pride in their work. For him, creating Arcus Legal has enabled him to merge knowledge, skill and passion – creating a dynamic work environment that sets up clients and staff alike for success.
His community and business involvement includes: planning committee for the Atlantic Provinces Tax Conference, the past Chair of the CBA (NS) Tax Section, the Canadian Bar Association, the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society and the Canadian Tax Foundation.
Education:
- LL.B., J.D. – Dalhousie University (Schulich School of Law) – 2008
- Stikeman Elliot Prize – Highest mark in Taxation of Individuals.
- Goldberg Thompson Prize – Highest mark in Taxation of Corporations.
- B.A. (Hons) Computer Science – St. Francis Xavier University – 2005
Bar Admissions:
- Nova Scotia (2009)
Myles holds the Trust and Estate Practitioner (“TEP”) designation.
Lawyer
902‑706‑4550 ext 103
dburns@arcuslegal.ca
DIANNA BURNS, LL.B.
902‑706‑4550 ext 103
dburns@arcuslegal.ca
“I love being able to contribute to my clients’ lives and businesses in a meaningful and useful way.”
– Dianna Burns
Dianna brings more than ten years of experience as a paralegal and lawyer, in the following key practice areas: estate planning; real estate law; and, small business law.
Dianna is motivated by one-on-one contact with her clients. In addition, she speaks to groups on topics including estate planning for Nova Scotians, and real estate transactions.
Dianna’s community and business activities are far-reaching. She is a member of the Halifax Estate Planning Council, the Canadian Bar Association, the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society, the Real Estate Lawyers Association of Nova Scotia; and, a volunteer with the Nova Scotia SPCA.
Services
- Estate Planning
- Real Estate Transactions
- Small Business Law
Education
- LL.B., University of Cape Town, South Africa (2011)
- BA, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, Nova Scotia (2002)
Bar Admissions
- Nova Scotia 2017
When not at work, Dianna loves to read, take care of her rescue animals and practice yoga.
Lawyer
902‑706‑4550 ext 102
eedmonds@arcuslegal.ca
ERIN O’BRIEN EDMONDS, QC, TEP
Lawyer – Estates and Trusts
902‑706‑4550 ext 102
eedmonds@arcuslegal.ca
“The most important part of the work I do is the time I spend with clients to make sure they have a full understanding of what is being done, so they can feel confident as we move forward together.”
– Erin O’Brien Edmonds
Erin is an estate planning and real estate lawyer with 36 years of experience. She maintains a robust practice that covers estate planning, real estate and the probate and administration of estates. Erin’s deep experience in both estate planning and real estate law enables her to prepare tax planned estates with lasting relevance.
Estate Planning:
Erin advises clients on Wills, Personal Care Directives and Powers of Attorney – all recommended elements of a comprehensive estate plan. She also serves as a compassionate advisor to Executors about their duties when administering an estate. Erin’s services include:
- Drafting wills;
- Drafting trusts including Alter Ego Trusts and Joint Partner Trusts;
- Drafting powers of attorney;
- Drafting personal care directives;
- Identifying tax issues in estate planning; and
- Probating wills and assisting with estate distribution.
Real Estate:
Erin works closely with buyers and sellers of residential and commercial real estate, providing sound advice in plain language to ensure clients understand every aspect of a transaction. She also advises on land migration matters. Erin’s services include:
- Buying
- Land migrations;
- Mortgaging or refinancing real estate; and
- Completing deeds for estate planning purposes.
Erin has written and lectured on the topics of real estate and estate planning. Erin is recognized by Best Lawyers® Canada as Lawyer of the Year for Real Estate in Halifax. Erin received her Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) designation in 2005.
Education:
- LL.B., Dalhousie University Law School (1983)
- B.Sc., Dalhousie University (1980)
Professional organizations:
-
- Admitted to the bar in 1984
- Sits on the Will Standards Committee
- Former
- Real Estate Lawyers Association of Nova Scotia (RELANS) board member
- Halifax Estate Planning Council member and former President)
- Society of Trust and Estates Practitioners (STEP) member
- Recipient of Trust and Estate Planner (TEP) designation
- Canadian Bar Association member
Lawyer
902‑706‑4550 ext 104
aforsey@arcuslegal.ca
Amanda Forsey
Lawyer – Real Estate, Wills & Estates
902‑706‑4550 ext 104
aforsey@arcuslegal.ca
Amanda is a part of Arcus Legal’s property and estate planning teams.
Amanda graduated from the University of New Brunswick’s Faculty of Law in 2019. She was called to the Nova Scotia bar in 2020. While at UNB Amanda was actively involved in the Poverty Law Society, the Peer Mentorship Program, and intramural volleyball.
Prior to attending UNB, Amanda graduated from Saint Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Commerce, Major in Finance. During her time at Saint Mary’s Amanda was involved in the Saint Mary’s Huskies Cheerleading team.
In her spare time, you can find Amanda coaching cheerleading, spending time with her family, or going for a run.
Chief Operating Officer & Corporate Tax Paralegal
902‑706‑4550 ext 201
tpolstra@arcuslegal.ca
TJISKE POLSTRA
Chief Operating Officer
& Paralegal – Corporate and Tax
902‑706‑4550 ext 201
tpolstra@arcuslegal.ca
“I’m always able to customize my approach to fit each client’s needs. It’s why I love working at Arcus Legal.”
– Tjiske Polstra
Tjiske has been providing Corporate Tax services to clients for more than 10 years, with paralegal services covering a range of matters, including incorporations, financing agreements, registrations, transactions, contracts and corporate record keeping. She knows her field and it shows. She is motivated and detail-oriented. You’re in good hands with Tjiske.
Property Paralegal
902‑706‑4550 ext 206
tdeadder@arcuslegal.ca
Tracey DeAdder
902‑706‑4550 ext 206
tdeadder@arcuslegal.ca
“Arcus has given me the opportunity to excel at the type of work I enjoy best and enables me to give the client the most positive results possible.”
– Tracey DeAdder
Tracey is a property paralegal with over 34 years of experience in the industry. Dealing with both residential and commercial clients, she handles purchases, mortgages and sales. She specializes in migration and title work. If there is history involved, Tracey is the one with the tools to dig and find the answers.
Property Paralegal
902‑706‑4550 ext 202
sdodge@arcuslegal.ca
SHAUNA DODGE
902‑706‑4550 ext 202
sdodge@arcuslegal.ca
“I absolutely love the satisfaction that comes from a job well done.”
– Shauna Dodge
Shauna is a Property Paralegal with 20 years of experience. She serves clients in all areas of Real Property law, including purchases and sales, zoning applications, assessment appeals and commercial leases. She believes Arcus Legal is the best way to join forces with fellow professionals to offer unique, client focused and upbeat legal services.
Wills & Estates Paralegal
902‑706‑4550 ext 203
tkyte@arcuslegal.ca
Tasha Kyte
902‑706‑4550 ext 203
tkyte@arcuslegal.ca
“Arcus Legal gives us the opportunity to join forces to fully service each client’s individual needs.”
– Tasha Kyte
Tasha has been serving clients in Estate Planning and Probate Administration for more than 15 years, providing paralegal services on wills, trust arrangements, probate documentation and numerous related matters. She is driven by client satisfaction. When not in the office, you can find Tasha watching her daughter’s performances and cheering her son from the hockey stands.
Corporate Tax Paralegal
902‑706‑4550 ext 204
tmaclellan@arcuslegal.ca
TERRA MACLELLAN
902‑706‑4550 ext 204
tmaclellan@arcuslegal.ca
“Working with this team enables me to truly help clients, and that’s the best part of the job.”
– Terra MacLellan
Terra has been working in the legal field for more than five years, serving clients in the area of corporate and tax law, including incorporations, financing agreements, registrations, transactions, contracts and corporate record keeping. She is known for being industrious and self-motivated, with a sharp eye for detail. She is committed to professional excellence.
Property Paralegal
902‑706‑4550 ext 205
kmattinson@arcuslegal.ca
Kelly Mattinson
902‑706‑4550 ext 205
kmattinson@arcuslegal.ca
Kelly Mattinson is a member of our real estate team, working on real estate purchases, sales, mortgages, title transfers, migrations, and land agreements. She brings over 18 years of experience as a paralegal. Kelly is a problem solver who enjoys helping clients transform a complicated legal process into a simple and seamless one. Kelly is also a ‘hockey mom’ of two and is an active volunteer with hockey associations and other community programs.
Executive Assistant
902‑706‑4550 ext 306
sbackman@arcuslegal.ca
Sara Backman
902‑706‑4550 ext 306
sbackman@arcuslegal.ca
“I love helping people and bringing a smile to their faces.”
– Sara Backman
Sara provides support in office administration and operations as an Executive Assistant. She is an NSCC graduate with an Open Concentration Diploma in Business Administration, with courses ranging from Customer Relationship Management to Marketing. Sara ensures clients are greeted and well taken care of during their visit with Arcus Legal and strives to make sure their visit is pleasant.
Information Technology Manager
902‑706‑4550 ext 305
medmonds@arcuslegal.ca
Matt Edmonds
Information Technology Manager
902‑706‑4550 ext 305
medmonds@arcuslegal.ca
Matt Edmonds is Arcus Legal’s Information Technology Manager. He applies his training as a lawyer to develop and maintain Arcus Legal’s specialized legal technology systems.
Matt graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours in Political Science, and graduated from the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University in 2013 with his Juris Doctor degree. He was admitted to the Nova Scotia bar in 2014 and practiced law for several years before focusing specifically on the legal technology field. Matt worked as an independent legal tech consultant before joining the Arcus Legal team to provide those services in-house.
Corporate Records Clerk
902‑706‑4550 ext 303
sevetts@arcuslegal.ca
Sharen Evetts
902‑706‑4550 ext 303
sevetts@arcuslegal.ca
“Client interaction is my passion and working here at Arcus Legal has given me that opportunity to the fullest.”
Sharen is a Corporate Records Clerk with over 25 years of legal office administration and extensive experience dealing with clients. Sharen works with corporate registrations and minute books and loves the interaction with clients. We are one big happy family here at Arcus legal which makes us a stronger team to serve our clients.
Contact Us
- (tel) 902‑706‑4550
- (fax) 902‑706‑4551
7071 Bayers Road
Suite 4006
Halifax NS B3L 2C2
Website Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy describes how your personal information is collected, used, and shared when you visit www.arcuslegal.ca (the “Site”).
PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT
When you visit the Site, we automatically collect certain information about your device, including information about your web browser, IP address, time zone, and some of the cookies that are installed on your device. Additionally, as you browse the Site, we collect information about the individual web pages or products that you view, what websites or search terms referred you to the Site, and information about how you interact with the Site. We refer to this automatically-collected information as “Device Information.”
We collect Device Information using the following technologies:
- “Cookies” are data files that are placed on your device or computer and often include an anonymous unique identifier. For more information about cookies, and how to disable cookies, visit http://www.allaboutcookies.org.
- “Log files” track actions occurring on the Site, and collect data including your IP address, browser type, Internet service provider, referring/exit pages, and date/time stamps.
- “Web beacons,” “tags,” and “pixels” are electronic files used to record information about how you browse the Site.
When we talk about “Personal Information” in this Privacy Policy, we are talking both about Device Information and Order Information.
HOW DO WE USE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?
We use this information to:
- Communicate with you; and,
- When in line with the preferences you have shared with us, provide you with information or advertising relating to our services.
We use the Device Information that we collect to help us screen for potential risk and fraud (in particular, your IP address), and more generally to improve and optimize our Site (for example, by generating analytics about how our customers browse and interact with the Site, and to assess the success of our marketing and advertising campaigns).
SHARING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION
We share your Personal Information with third parties to help us use your Personal Information, as described above. For example, we use Google Analytics to help us understand how our customers use the Site–you can read more about how Google uses your Personal Information here: https://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/privacy/. You can also opt-out of Google Analytics here: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.
Finally, we may also share your Personal Information to comply with applicable laws and regulations, to respond to a subpoena, search warrant or other lawful request for information we receive, or to otherwise protect our rights.
DO NOT TRACK
Please note that we do not alter our Site’s data collection and use practices when we see a Do Not Track signal from your browser.
YOUR RIGHTS
If you are a European resident, you have the right to access personal information we hold about you and to ask that your personal information be corrected, updated, or deleted. If you would like to exercise this right, please contact us through the contact information below.
Additionally, if you are a European resident we note that we are processing your information in order to fulfill contracts we might have with you (for example if you make an order through the Site), or otherwise to pursue our legitimate business interests listed above. Additionally, please note that your information will be transferred outside of Europe, including to Canada and the United States.
DATA RETENTION
When you contact us through the Site, we will maintain your information for our records unless and until you ask us to delete this information.
CHANGES
We may update this privacy policy from time to time in order to reflect, for example, changes to our practices or for other operational, legal or regulatory reasons.
CONTACT US
For more information about our privacy practices, if you have questions, or if you would like to make a complaint, please contact us by e-mail at [email] or by mail using the details provided below:
7071 Bayers Road, Suite 4006, Halifax NS B3L 2C2