Francis Desmarais, Business Attorney in the United States
Over 30 years of legal practice · focused on Business and M&A
Practicing business since 1996.
- 30+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Francis Desmarais?
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Quick answer
Francis Desmarais is an attorney based in Montreal, QC. The practice focuses on Business and M&A. Francis has over 30 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Montreal, QC
- Experience
- over 30 years
- Known for
- Business · M&A
- Handles Business and M&A matters from Montreal, QC.
- Over 30 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Francis Desmarais: Francis Desmarais is an attorney based in Montreal, QC. The practice focuses on Business and M&A. Francis has over 30 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Francis's practice areas in the U.S.
Francis concentrates on business and m&a. Each area below outlines the kind of case Francis handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business cases nationwide
Francis 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 Francis agrees to represent you.
M&A cases nationwide
Francis 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 Francis agrees to represent you.
Biography
Francis Desmarais, business attorney serving the U.S.
Francis Desmarais is an attorney based in Montreal, QC. The practice focuses on Business and M&A. Francis has over 30 years of legal experience. Francis works from the U.S. and takes on business matters across the region.
Francis Desmarais is a lawyer practicing business transactions / mergers and acquisitions, financing and financial services. Francis received a degree from Université de Montréal in 1991, and has been licensed for 30 years. Francis practices in Montreal, QC.
Working with Francis on a business matter
Francis Desmarais is a lawyer practicing business transactions / mergers and acquisitions, financing and financial services. Francis received a degree from Université de Montréal in 1991, and has been licensed for 30 years. Francis practices in Montreal, QC.
Clients Francis works with
Francis reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business and m&a matters in the United States.
Credentials
Credentials — where Francis studied and practices
McGill University
B.C.L. McGill · 1995
Université de Montréal
Certificate · 1991
Jurisdictions
Francis's state bar admissions
Québec
1996 · ACTIVE
Francis studied at B.C.L. McGill in McGill University and Certificate in Université de Montréal.
Law school and academic background
Francis completed B.C.L. McGill in McGill University and Certificate in Université de Montréal. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Francis runs in the state is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Francis's professional memberships and bar associations
Canadian Bar Association Quebec Bar
1996 · membership
Locations
Francis Desmarais's office in Montreal
Francis's primary office is at 1 Address Unknown, Montreal, QC. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Francis Desmarais
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Francis Desmarais — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Francis usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Francis charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Francis'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; Francis 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 Francis
Francis 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. Francis confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Francis'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 Francis Desmarais
How much does it cost to hire Francis for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Francis walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Francis offer a free consultation?
Francis charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Francis's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Francis'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. Francis gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Francis take my case if I'm outside the area?
Francis evaluates matters case by case. If the venue is outside Francis'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 Francis?
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. Francis will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Francis accepting new business clients right now?
Francis's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.