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  • Biography

  • Notable Deals

  • Associations

  • Publications

Michael's Biography

Michael Varabioff, a Canadian securities lawyer, co-founded Maxis Law (formerly Axium Law) in 2004. For over 30 years, Michael has provided high-level corporate and commercial legal advice to private and public companies operating in a broad range of sectors including technology, biotech/medical devices, mining and real estate syndication. He has a depth of experience in all legal aspects of corporate organization, development, finance, and operation.

He regularly assists clients in matters relating to private stage structuring and finance, going public transactions such as IPOs, RTOs (reverse takeovers) and QTs (qualifying transactions), stock exchange listings, domestic and international debt and equity financing, and mergers and acquisitions (including take-over bids, amalgamations, plans of arrangement, and share and asset purchases). Clients rely on Michael’s innate ability to see the big picture, craft the roadmap, and simplify complex issues. He keeps his clients focussed, guiding them towards achieving their objectives.

Early on in his career, Michael’s entrepreneurial instincts called him away from the traditional big law firm setting. He set about establishing a boutique firm designed to help entrepreneurs launch, finance, and grow their businesses. Over the years, Michael has founded or co-founded several private and public companies and spent considerable hours in client boardrooms and executive suites. This experience infuses his legal advice with strategic and business insight while his insider’s depth of knowledge (and long-standing relationships with stock exchanges, regulators, financiers, and accountants) allows him to navigate complex matters efficiently and with confidence.

Michael regularly shares his knowledge as a lecturer and writer at legal and industry conferences. He has served on the boards of several industry organizations including the Securities Policy Advisory Committee of the BC Securities Commission, the TSX Venture Exchange Advisory Committee, the BC Medical Device Industry Association, and the Securities Law Subsection of the BC Branch of the Canadian Bar Association. He has also worked as an Analyst at the BC Securities Commission.

Michael's Notable Deals

Michael acted as counsel to:

Michael's Associations

  • BC Tech Association
  • Life Sciences BC
  • Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada

Practice Areas

Education

  • LL.B., University of British Columbia (1984)
  • LL.M., University of Toronto (1989)

Bar Admissions

  • British Columbia (1985)
  • Ontario (1990)

Recognitions

  • Best Lawyers: Recognized leading lawyer in the area of Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Natural Resources Law