Heather Barnhouse, KC is a partner in Dentons Canada’s Corporate group, the Edmonton Co-Leader of the Venture Technology and Emerging Growth Companies group, and the National Co-Leader of the Agribusiness group. Heather is known for her strategic acumen in navigating the complex intersections of technology and corporate/commercial law, making her an invaluable legal partner for businesses at every stage – from inception to exit.

Heather’s experience extends across a wide range of legal services. She drafts, reviews and negotiates a broad range of technology-related and corporate/commercial agreements, assisting clients with all aspects of their business, from organization, structural management, operational, financing, succession and exit transactions (i.e., mergers and acquisitions). She also provides guidance on corporate issues relating to statutory requirements, shareholder and director relations, liability concerns, shareholder and partnership agreements, in addition to addressing disputes related to them.

Her clientele is diverse, ranging from technology startups and health care innovators to oil and gas companies and family-owned businesses. Heather excels in addressing the unique challenges of family-owned businesses, devising innovative solutions for business continuity, ownership transitions and family-related issues. Building on her extensive experience, Heather also brings in-depth knowledge to the franchising sector. She advises franchisors and franchisees across various industries including agribusiness, retail, automotive and industrial, helping them grow and manage their businesses while mitigating risks associated with franchising operations.

In the venture technology sector, Heather is a visionary, guiding clients through scaling initiatives via strategic partnerships and joint ventures. She has worked with many clients that have formed partnerships with First Nations, to explore new markets and operational efficiencies. Her strategic foresight in structuring these partnerships ensure maximum benefit, operational efficiency and thoughtful succession considerations.

A recognized leader in software licensing, implementation support, service level and maintenance agreements, Heather has developed strategic solutions for clients in highly regulated fields including life sciences. She also provides guidance on regulatory compliance, clinical trial agreements and ancillary documents for two of Canada’s largest research-intensive universities. Her focus areas include confidentiality, material transfer, licensing, service, grant, collaboration and consulting agreements.