Executive summary
Lee is a member of the Corporate and Commercial Group and the Compliance and Risk Solutions Group at Gardiner Roberts. His practice spans business law, regulatory and competition law, foreign investment review, and tax and trade matters, with a particular focus on internationally oriented businesses, both domestically based and advising wholly owned Canadian subsidiaries of multinational enterprises. Drawing on experience working with privately held businesses, regulators, and government officials, Lee is valued for his ability to provide practical, strategic guidance to resolve complex tax and regulatory issues.
Lee regularly advocates on behalf of clients before federal and provincial government officials to obtain clarity on the application of legislation and policy and has represented clients before the Canadian International Trade Tribunal and the Tax Court of Canada in tax and trade disputes. His transactional work includes structuring secured debt financings, domestic and international transactions, and commercial arrangements such as consulting and employment agreements, as well as supplier, manufacturer, and distribution relationships.
In addition, Lee advises on competition law and foreign investment matters, including merger review and notification filings under the Competition Act and the Investment Canada Act and liaising with the Competition Bureau and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. He has a strong interest in legal education and thought leadership, having taught Private International Business Law at Queen’s University Faculty of Law, co-authored course materials, and written for the Law Society of Ontario on the roles and responsibilities of corporate directors, officers, and shareholders. Lee is also a frequent speaker on topics including directors’ duties, competition law, international trade agreements, and product distribution.
Expertise
Compliance & Risk Solutions (Regulatory Matters)
Tax & International Trade Matters
Business Practices
Representative work
- Counsel, Ontario Tire Stewardship v. The King
- Counsel, Safeguard Inquiry, GC-2026-001 / Certain Wood Goods
Insights
Publications
- “Made in Canada” Claims and the Competition Act – 13 May 2025
- Competition Act Wage-fixing and no-poach provisions – 21 November 2023
- Merger Review under the Competition Act – 12 November 2015
- The Competition Act and Business Activity: Misleading Advertising, Price Maintenance and Compliance Programs – 28 October 2014
Memberships and recognition
Professional memberships
- Law Society of Ontario
- Ontario Bar Association
- Canadian Bar Association – Competition Law Section, and Commodity Tax, Customs and Trade Section
Recognition
- Best Lawyers in Canada for Banking and Finance Law (2025-2026)