Hassin Dawson Law Group

Hassin Dawson Law Group Strategic legal advice for entrepreneurs, professionals, and families.

Experienced in advising financial institutions and advisors on regulatory, risk, and compliance matters across Ontario.

Building a law firm has taught us that success isn't measured only by growth; it's measured by the trust you earn along ...
09/02/2026

Building a law firm has taught us that success isn't measured only by growth; it's measured by the trust you earn along the way.

As our firm has evolved, we've learned that relationships will always matter more than transactions. Clients remember how you made them feel just as much as the legal advice you provided. Reputation is built one conversation, one file, and one commitment kept at a time.

We've also learned that growth brings responsibility. Expanding a practice is exciting, but it should never come at the expense of responsiveness, thoughtful advice, or the personalized service clients expect and deserve.

Perhaps the biggest lesson is that we're never finished learning. Every client, transaction, challenge, and new opportunity makes us better lawyers and better advisors.

Those lessons continue to shape how we lead our team, serve our clients, and build Hassin Dawson Law Group.

Thank you to all the people – clients, colleagues, referral partners, and our community – who have been part of that journey. We're looking forward to what comes next, and to continuing to learn along the way. (And thank you to local photographer Brittany VanRuymbeke for our new team photos!)

What's one lesson your career has taught you that still guides the way you work today? Let us know in the comments!

Team spotlight: Meet Kate Rabideau! Today, we’re spotlighting Kate Rabideau, our Summer Student at Hassin Dawson Law Gro...
08/26/2026

Team spotlight: Meet Kate Rabideau!

Today, we’re spotlighting Kate Rabideau, our Summer Student at Hassin Dawson Law Group. Kate’s connection to the firm actually began as a co-op student back in Grade 11 – and she’s been returning ever since! Here’s more about Kate, in her own words.

☕ What’s your go-to coffee (or tea) order?

A vanilla latte.

💡 What brought you to Hassin Dawson Law Group, and what has stood out to you most since joining the team?

I started as a high school co-op student with Glenn Dawson in Grade 11, continued working with him in Grade 12, and have returned every summer since. This is my fourth full summer with the firm, but my first full summer working with Emily Hassin! What stands out most is the supportive learning environment. As eager as I am to learn, Glenn and Emily are equally approachable and eager to teach.

🧭 At Hassin Dawson Law Group, we value clarity, diligence, and genuine care for clients. How do those principles show up in your day-to-day work?

As a political science student at the University of Ottawa, analytical thinking and attention to detail are central to my studies. I bring that same mindset and diligence to my work at the firm.

❓ What’s something you’ve learned so far in your legal career that has stayed with you?

Every client’s story and situation is unique, which keeps even the more routine tasks interesting. I’ve learned the value of treating every experience as an opportunity to learn something new.

📚 Is there a book, podcast, film, or quote that has influenced how you think about your work or your life?

Matthew McConaughey’s memoir, Greenlights. He writes about how life’s challenges can become red lights, roadblocks, or green lights depending on how we approach them. I really like the idea that we have a choice in how we respond to what’s in front of us – whether we persist, pivot, or concede.

⚖️ What part of your work brings you the most satisfaction?

I love learning and getting the opportunity to put what I’ve learned into practice.

3️⃣ If you had to describe Hassin Dawson Law Group in just three words, what would they be?

Supportive. Engaging. Collaborative.

☀️ What’s a small habit or simple pleasure that brightens your day?

My morning walks – year-round, even through the fall and winter! In the spring and summer, getting to bring my dogs along makes them even better.

🎸 When you’re not working, where are we most likely to find you?

Studying, playing or practicing guitar, listening to music or a podcast, hanging out with friends, or enjoying time outside!

Kate’s curiosity, enthusiasm for learning, and thoughtful approach make her a valued part of the Hassin Dawson Law Group team. We've loved having her back with us for another summer, and wish her luck as she heads back to school in a couple weeks!

Buying property with someone else can make homeownership or an investment property more accessible. But before you sign ...
08/19/2026

Buying property with someone else can make homeownership or an investment property more accessible. But before you sign an agreement to purchase, it's worth having a few important conversations.

It's easy to focus on the exciting parts, like finding the right property. What's harder (but just as important) is talking about the "what ifs."

For example, will you own the property equally, or will ownership reflect each person's financial contribution? How will ongoing expenses be shared? What happens if one person wants to sell before the other? And if you disagree on a major decision, how will you resolve it?

These conversations may feel uncomfortable, but having them early can help avoid misunderstandings later.

Every situation is different, whether you're buying with a spouse, partner, parent, sibling, or friend. Taking the time to understand your options – and documenting your intentions – will make things clear from the outset.

At Hassin Dawson Law Group, we help clients navigate these conversations before they become problems, so they can move forward with confidence.

If you were buying property with someone else, what would be the first question you'd want answered before signing on the dotted line?

A little farewell to 560 Exmouth Street. 👋 We’re officially moved out, the transition is complete, and after one very me...
08/12/2026

A little farewell to 560 Exmouth Street. 👋

We’re officially moved out, the transition is complete, and after one very memorable year, it’s time to say goodbye to the place where this chapter began.

When we first started as Emily Hassin Law, we knew 560 Exmouth Street was never going to be our forever office. But looking back, it was exactly the space we needed to get started.

This is where we welcomed our first clients as a new firm, navigated the challenges (and excitement!) of building a practice, and started laying the foundation for what would eventually become Hassin Dawson Law Group.

There’s something special about the place where an idea starts to become real, and we’ll always be grateful for this one.

A big thank you to Jennifer Jung - CB Southwest Realty, who helped find Hassin Dawson Law Group’s first home!

Goodbye and thank you, 560 Exmouth. You were never meant to be permanent, but you were a pretty great place to begin. ❤️

Onward!

You hope you'll never need your shareholder agreement… until you do. When a business is running smoothly, it's easy to a...
08/05/2026

You hope you'll never need your shareholder agreement… until you do.

When a business is running smoothly, it's easy to assume everyone will always be on the same page. But businesses evolve, priorities change, and life can take unexpected turns.

A shareholder agreement is a legal document that sets out the rights and responsibilities of the owners and provides a clear plan for situations that could otherwise disrupt the business.

It should address important questions such as: What happens if an owner wants to exit? Who has the authority to make major decisions? How will disputes be resolved? What if an owner dies or becomes disabled? And how will shares be valued if someone leaves?

Having these issues addressed in advance helps protect both the business and the relationships behind it, giving owners greater certainty when difficult situations arise.

At Hassin Dawson Law Group, we help business owners put practical agreements in place that support the long-term success and stability of their businesses.

Does your shareholder agreement still reflect your business as it exists today? If you aren't sure, let's have a conversation.

➡️ Reach out today: https://bit.ly/4yKxbMB

As the Civic Holiday long weekend approaches, we'd like to wish our clients, colleagues, and community a safe and enjoya...
07/31/2026

As the Civic Holiday long weekend approaches, we'd like to wish our clients, colleagues, and community a safe and enjoyable weekend.

Please note that our office will be closed on Monday, August 3, in observance of the Civic Holiday. We will reopen during regular business hours on Tuesday, August 4.

Whether you're spending the weekend with family and friends, enjoying the outdoors, or simply taking some well-deserved time to recharge, we hope it's a great one.

Happy Civic Holiday from all of us at Hassin Dawson Law Group!

People don't usually come to a lawyer because everything is simple. They're buying a home. Growing a business. Navigatin...
07/29/2026

People don't usually come to a lawyer because everything is simple.

They're buying a home. Growing a business. Navigating a difficult decision. Planning for the future.

Often, they're dealing with unfamiliar processes, important deadlines, and significant financial or personal decisions.

That's why, at Hassin Dawson Law Group, client service means more than answering legal questions.

It means:

✅ Being responsive when clients need guidance.

✅ Communicating clearly, without unnecessary legal jargon.

✅ Providing practical advice that helps clients make informed decisions, not just identifying risks.

✅ Taking the time to ensure clients understand their options and feel confident about the path forward.

The law can be complex. We believe the client experience shouldn't be.

Whether we're assisting with a business transaction, a real estate matter, or an estate plan, our goal is the same: to provide clear guidance, practical solutions, and a level of service that helps clients move forward with confidence.

That's what client service means to us.

One of the most common questions we hear from homebuyers is: "What exactly does my lawyer do during a real estate transa...
07/22/2026

One of the most common questions we hear from homebuyers is:

"What exactly does my lawyer do during a real estate transaction?" 🤔

It's a fair question. Most of the legal work happens behind the scenes, so it's not always obvious what's taking place between signing an Agreement of Purchase and Sale and receiving the keys.

A real estate lawyer's role goes far beyond reviewing documents.

Before closing, a title search is conducted to confirm ownership of the property and identify any issues that may need to be addressed.

We review and satisfy mortgage instructions from the lender to ensure financing can be advanced on closing day.

We prepare and review the closing documents, coordinate the transfer of funds, and work with the other parties involved in the transaction to help keep everything on track.

On closing day, we register the transfer of ownership and any mortgage documents, ensuring the transaction is completed properly.

When everything goes smoothly, much of this work is invisible to the client, which is exactly how it should be.

But behind every successful closing is a significant amount of coordination, review, and attention to detail.

Real estate transactions can feel complex, but they don't have to be confusing. We don't just handle the paperwork; we help you understand the process and protect your interests every step of the way.

When a financial services firm is evaluating an acquisition, it's easy to focus on the numbers. How many clients will be...
07/15/2026

When a financial services firm is evaluating an acquisition, it's easy to focus on the numbers.

How many clients will be added? What new markets will become accessible? How quickly will the investment pay off?

But some of the most important questions are legal and operational.

I've seen acquisitions where the financial opportunity looked strong, but challenges emerged when it came time to review client agreements, integrate employees, transfer data, or navigate regulatory requirements.

That's why due diligence matters.

A thorough review can help identify issues such as:

➡️ Restrictions in client contracts that affect the transfer of relationships.

➡️ Employment obligations that survive the transaction.

➡️ Technology and data management risks that could impact integration.

➡️ Regulatory requirements that create additional costs, timelines, or compliance obligations.

The goal of due diligence isn't to stop a transaction from happening.

It's to ensure buyers understand exactly what they're acquiring (and the risks they're assuming) before they sign.

Growth through acquisition can be an excellent strategy. The most successful transactions are often the ones where potential issues are identified and addressed early, rather than discovered after closing.

What’s the first thing you look at when evaluating a potential acquisition? Let us know in the comments.

Signing a commercial lease is an exciting milestone for any business. It often signals growth, opportunity, and a commit...
07/08/2026

Signing a commercial lease is an exciting milestone for any business. It often signals growth, opportunity, and a commitment to your future.

It's also one of the most important contracts you'll sign.

As our team recently settled into our new office space, commercial leases have been top of mind. While many business owners focus on finding the right location, it's equally important to understand the terms that will govern your occupancy for years to come.

Before you sign, make sure you understand:

✔️ Renewal clauses. Do you have the right to renew, and on what terms?
✔️ Personal guarantees. Are you personally responsible if the business cannot meet its lease obligations?
✔️ Maintenance and repair obligations. Who is responsible for ongoing maintenance, repairs, or any unexpected costs?
✔️ Assignment and subletting rights. If your business evolves, can you transfer the lease or sublet the space?
✔️ Rent escalation provisions. How and when can rent increase during the term of the lease?

A well-negotiated lease can provide stability and flexibility as your business grows. A poorly understood one can create unexpected costs and limitations when you least need them.

Before signing, make sure you understand not only the rent, but the rights, obligations, and risks that come with the agreement. And if you’re not sure, reach out. We’re here to help.

Address

560 Exmouth Street Unit 102
Sarnia, ON
N7T5P5

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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