10 - Why Encino Law Focuses on Women in Business
Encino Law is proud to be the first law firm in British Columbia, and one of the few in Canada, built specifically to serve women entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses.
When I launched Encino Law, I knew I wanted to do things differently. Traditional legal services often feel intimidating, reactive, and disconnected from the realities business owners face. I know this because I’ve seen it up close as a daughter of entrepreneurs. For women in business, those realities can be even more complex, from navigating systemic barriers to finding support that truly understands their needs.
That’s why Encino Law is dedicated to serving women entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses. To our knowledge, we are the first law firm in British Columbia, Canada focused on women in business, and we believe this focus is long overdue.
The Current Landscape: Women in Business
Women are building and leading businesses at a remarkable pace. But the data shows there is still progress to be made:
In Canada, about 18.4% of all businesses are majority-owned by women.
Among small businesses with less than 10 employees, 43% are run by women and nearly half of these ventures were started within the last five years.
In British Columbia, 38% of businesses are majority-owned by women
These numbers highlight two things: women entrepreneurs are a growing force, and they remain underrepresented and underserved when it comes to resources, investment, and professional support, including legal services.
Why Women Entrepreneurs Need Tailored Legal Services
Every business needs strong legal foundations: incorporation, contracts, compliance, and strategies to protect growth. But for women entrepreneurs, generic legal advice doesn’t always fit.
Women business owners often:
Build companies in industries like healthcare, wellness, education, and social impact, areas with unique regulations.
Balance business goals with family responsibilities, making strategic legal planning critical.
Face bias in negotiations, investor relations, and partnerships, where well-structured agreements can level the playing field.
Having a business lawyer for women entrepreneurs in Canada means having someone who understands these realities and provides proactive legal strategies designed to empower, not just protect.
Encino Law: Pioneering Legal Services for Women Founders
At Encino Law, our mission is clear: to give women entrepreneurs in British Columbia and across Canada a trusted legal partner who speaks their language and anticipates their needs.
We help women founders and women-owned businesses with:
Incorporation and structuring for growth and protection.
Contracts that are practical, enforceable, and negotiation-ready.
Legal strategies that reduce risk and build long-term confidence.
By tailoring legal services to women, we’re not only addressing a gap, we’re reshaping what it looks like to have a lawyer who truly acts as a partner in your business journey.
Why This Matters
When women succeed in business, entire communities benefit. Families thrive, innovation grows, and local economies strengthen. Yet without tailored legal support, too many women entrepreneurs face unnecessary barriers.
At Encino Law, we believe supporting women in business isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s also the smart thing to do for Canada’s economic future.
Sources
Encino Law is proud to be among the first law firms in Canada dedicated to women entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses. If you’re ready to protect and grow your business with confidence, we’d love to partner with you.
Mariela Gutierrez is a lawyer and founder of Encino Law, a Vancouver-based law firm dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs build and protect their businesses with confidence. She combines practical legal guidance with a values-driven approach, making law more approachable for business owners at every stage.
