Cross‑border transactions between Canada and the United States have become increasingly complex and specialized as markets and demands for services shift due to evolving trade policies, regulations, and taxation rules (with ramifications for M&A, as noted by Export Development Canada).
Today, more than ever, Canadian corporate and securities lawyers seek out US cross‑border counsel who understand current US regulatory landscapes, finding value in midsize US law firms that offer full‑service capabilities while maintaining the depth, responsiveness, and technical sophistication. Meanwhile, US law firms with an established Canadian presence are especially well positioned to provide this blend of agility and comprehensive support.
Cross-border complexities and the midsize advantage
Canadian counsel are often adept at understanding the American commercial landscape, but US regulations can diverge sharply in certain areas, such as, federal and state tax, corporate governance, employment rights, intellectual property, for example.
Without a US-licensed lawyer, Canadian counsel cannot effectively advise on these US-specific obligations and Canadian companies face fundamentally different IP, employment, liability, and director and officer exposure risks when operating in the US.
Lawyers working in Canada with US licenses offer tailored guidance informed by experience across borders. They deftly assist clients in navigating legal considerations arising under Canadian and American regulatory frameworks, and the practical challenges with operating across both.
For Canadian lawyers, midsize US firms often serve as strategic partners: large enough to provide broad transactional capabilities yet streamlined enough to deliver practical counsel and efficient support. This balance enables them to assist throughout the full lifecycles of deals without the overhead of larger practices.
Clients are prioritizing legal teams that combine sophisticated advice with efficient execution, and, midsize firms are meeting the mark, according to the Thomson Reuters Midsize Law Firms Report 2025. These firms stand out for their ability to provide high‑quality counsel, focused project management, and consistent senior‑level engagement.
Assets that complement Canadian firms
This shift is prompting medium-to-large Canadian firms to collaborate more frequently with midsize firms, like Hodgson Russ, on transactions requiring niche subject‑matter insight or regional depth. Not only is this transition toward midsize firms noticeable but, according to the Thomson Reuters Institute, it is accelerating, because they offer comprehensive services while maintaining flexibility, responsiveness, and transactional fluency. This integrated approach enhances the quality of work product and ensures clients receive acutely tailored, transaction-specific support.
By collaborating with midsize US law firms, Canadian counsel achieve synergies across borders that help their clients tap into issue‑specific US guidance whenever needed: a leaner structure especially valued by private equity sponsors and corporate acquirors who prioritize speed, accuracy, and commercial clarity.
A full-service US team behind every transaction
While Hodgson Russ’ cross‑border M&A and corporate practice is well known, the firm’s capabilities extend significantly further. As Canadian lawyers often discover, US-related matters can require specialized input across a variety of disciplines. The firm meets that demand with robust teams of lawyers specializing in:
- US federal, international, and state tax
- Business immigration and mobility
- Employment and labour considerations
- Employee benefits and executive compensation
- Environmental review and regulatory compliance
- Debt financing and restructuring
- Real estate and leasing
- Intellectual property and data protection
- Securities regulation
- Secured transactions
- Franchising
This interdisciplinary strength enables the firm to support transactions with both precision and pragmatism. Whether navigating regulatory considerations for a US acquisition, structuring cross‑border debt facilities, or addressing workforce issues after a deal closes, Canadian counsel partnering with Hodgson Russ gain direct access to the firm’s full portfolio of US lawyers.
To discuss how these cross‑border considerations may affect your next transaction, contact Hodgson Russ today.
About Hodgson Russ and the authors
Hodgson Russ has a unique cross‑border presence that differentiates it from other US midsize law firms. Originating in Buffalo, a city with strong ties to Canada, Hodgson Russ established a Toronto office, where it has been part of the Canadian legal market for over 30 years practicing exclusively US law.
Lawyers like Timothy Ho (pictured left), who regularly advises Canadian public companies on US securities, governance, and financing matters, and Matt Cameron (pictured right), whose work focuses on cross-border M&A and corporate transactions involving Canadian private equity funds and strategic acquirors, exemplify the firm’s ability to deliver US counsel grounded in decades of on-the-ground Canadian experience.
This article was provided by Hodgson Russ