We also help domestic and offshore clientele engaged in international trade. Our tax department's advice is essential when buying and selling a business, issuing securities, forming a syndication vehicle, restructuring a business in financial difficulty, structuring investments in Canada from or in other jurisdictions, or financing business operations. Global trade has led to an increased need for our firm's cross border taxation expertise. Our tax group also supports many non-business contexts such as estate planning and administration, family law issues and charitable operations. We appear regularly before trial and appellate courts at all levels and before boards, commissions and tribunals in relation to commercial and regulatory disputes as well as individual rights.
Litigation is no longer the only avenue for dispute resolution.
We do, where appropriate, recommend mediation, arbitration or alternative dispute resolution which may be more effective and responsive to our clients' needs than going to court. The firm's real estate group is one of the most experienced and successful in Canada as a result of participation as legal advisors in numerous major real estate projects and investments throughout Canada and abroad. This group has been involved in some of the largest office tower and shopping centre developments in the country. Consequently, our professionals are accomplished in all phases of development, including governmental planning processes and financing strategies. Our lawyers act for many institutional investors, lenders and pension funds advising on all types of real estate financing as well as acquisitions and divestitures.