William S. Bernstein

William S. Bernstein

Partner

William S. Bernstein
Contact Information

William S. Bernstein

Partner


T 416.865.6675

F 416.865.6636

E wbernstein@grllp.com

Education

Osgoode Hall Law School
LL.M. (Taxation) 1986
University of Toronto
LL.B. 1979
Bar Admission

Ontario, 1981
About Gardiner Roberts LLP

For over 100 years, Gardiner Roberts has combined the benefits of a full-service law firm with the dexterity of a mid-sized one. Our focused, cross-disciplinary, one-team approach and commitment to understand your business joins our relevant expertise, immediacy and dedication to providing client-centric, hands-on service. 100% Canadian and fully independent, we offer a level of overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness that larger firms can't touch. Resisting "cookie-cutter" law, Gardiner Roberts has built its name - one rewarding client relationship at a time.

Executive Summary

Bill's practice covers a broad range of tax, estate planning and business law matters. With a master's degree in taxation law, being a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and numerous years counseling entrepreneurial business owners, Bill provides his clients and their accountants with expert, practical advice.

Bill advises many of his own clients with the start-up, growth and reorganization of their companies making use of tax minimization strategies. He is also called in to assist other lawyers when a transaction requires tax input. His careful planning and attention to detail are invaluable in complex matters.

Bill also helps clients organize their affairs with comprehensive estate planning coordination. This often involves family trusts and plans for the continuation of a family business in addition to wills and powers of attorney.

Bill has lectured and written for the Ontario Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Ontario Bar Association. Bill has been an instructor at the Ontario Bar Admission Course in the areas of taxation and estate planning. Bill has been a member of the Executive of the Tax section of the Ontario Bar Association.

Expertise

Representative Work
  • Planning in connection with a number of situations where a Family Trust was approaching the deemed disposition for income tax purposes arising on the 21st anniversary of its settlement.
  • Dealing with Canada Revenue Agency in various situations of a Family Trust being audited or reassessed.
  • Preparing Shareholders’ Agreements for family-owned corporations.
  • Dealing with tax and estate planning issues for U.S. citizens resident in Canada.
  • Preparing marriage contracts to protect interests in family-owned corporations and trusts
Articles and Presentations
  • Effectively Dealing with the 21-Year Deemed Disposition Rule for Trusts, GTA Accountant Network and GTA Finance Network – January 23, 2019
Articles

Professional Involvement
  • Ontario Bar Association - Taxation and Trusts sections
  • Canadian Tax Foundation
  • Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners
  • International Fiscal Association
  • Law Society of Ontario
Beyond the Office

Bill enjoys various athletic pursuits, including downhill skiing, hiking, cycling and running. Bill and his wife try to broaden their horizons by visiting exotic locations. Bill is fortunate to have his two adult children living in Toronto, which allows for regular visits.