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Colin Yao, Business Attorney in the United States

Over 18 years of legal practice · focused on Business, M&A, and Securities

Practicing business since 2008.

18+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

Colin Yao is an associate based in Toronto, ON. The practice focuses on Business, M&A, and Securities. Colin has over 18 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stikeman Elliott LLP.

Based in
Toronto, ON
Experience
over 18 years
Known for
Business · M&A · Securities
  • Handles Business, M&A, and Securities matters from Toronto, ON.
  • Over 18 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

About Colin Yao: Colin Yao is an associate based in Toronto, ON. The practice focuses on Business, M&A, and Securities. Colin has over 18 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stikeman Elliott LLP.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Colin Yao

Colin concentrates on business, m&a, and securities. Each area below outlines the kind of case Colin handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases nationwide

Colin takes business matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Colin agrees to represent you.

M&A cases nationwide

Colin takes m&a matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Colin agrees to represent you.

Securities cases nationwide

Colin takes securities matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Colin agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Colin Yao — Over 18 years of the U.S. business experience

Colin Yao is an associate based in Toronto, ON. The practice focuses on Business, M&A, and Securities. Colin has over 18 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stikeman Elliott LLP.

Colin Yao is a lawyer practicing securities, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions. Colin received a B.F.A. degree from University of Victoria in 2004, and has been licensed for 18 years. Colin practices at Stikeman Elliott LLP in Toronto, ON.

How Colin handles business matters

Colin Yao is a lawyer practicing securities, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions. Colin received a B.F.A. degree from University of Victoria in 2004, and has been licensed for 18 years. Colin practices at Stikeman Elliott LLP in Toronto, ON.

The kind of cases Colin takes

Colin reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, m&a, and securities matters in the United States.

Credentials

Colin Yao's legal education and bar admissions

  • Queen's University, Faculty of Law

    LL.B. · 2007

  • University of Victoria

    B.F.A. · 2004

Jurisdictions

Colin's state bar admissions

  • Ontario

    2008 · ACTIVE

Colin studied at LL.B. in Queen's University, Faculty of Law and B.F.A. in University of Victoria.

Law school and academic background

Colin completed LL.B. in Queen's University, Faculty of Law and B.F.A. in University of Victoria. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Colin runs in the state is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Colin Yao's office in Toronto

Colin's primary office is at 5300 Commerce Court West, 199 Bay Street, Toronto, ON, M5L 1B9. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Stikeman Elliott LLP

5300 Commerce Court West, 199 Bay Street

Toronto, ON M5L 1B9

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Colin Yao

Colin has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Colin Yao — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Colin usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Colin charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Colin's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Colin will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in your state

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Colin

Colin discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Colin confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Colin's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Colin Yao

  • How much does it cost to hire Colin for a business case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Colin walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Colin offer a free consultation?

    Colin charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Colin's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Colin's current terms during booking.

  • How long do business cases in this state typically take?

    Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Colin gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Colin take my case if I'm outside the area?

    Colin evaluates matters case by case. If the venue is outside Colin's regular jurisdictions, the intake call will confirm whether direct representation or a referral makes more sense.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Colin?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Colin will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Colin accepting new business clients right now?

    Colin's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.