Jonathan N. Garbutt is an accomplished Barrister and Solicitor, admitted to practice law in both Alberta and Ontario, with over two decades of experience specializing in Canadian income tax law, international private banking, corporate tax planning, and trusts and estates law. His expertise spans across various domains, including global corporate tax minimization, tax advice for mergers and acquisitions, international private investment tax, tax controversy and litigation, and transfer pricing matters. He also advises on the complex structuring of offshore investments, particularly for high-net-worth individuals and financial institutions.

Jonathan began his legal career after earning his JD from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, where he was actively involved in the Law Review, Grand Moot, Diversity Committee, and Enterprise Legal Services. Prior to law school, Jonathan received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Université Laval and a Master’s Degree in International Political Economy from the University of Tsukuba in Japan, giving him a strong foundation in global economic and political systems.

In his early career, Jonathan worked as an economist for the Canadian Electricity Association in Ottawa and Nakamae International Economic Research in Tokyo, where he gained international exposure and developed a deep understanding of capital markets and international economic trends. His background as an economist has provided him with a unique perspective on the interplay between economic policies and tax structures, particularly in cross-border transactions.

Over the years, Jonathan has developed a niche practice in international private banking, advising high-net-worth individuals, families, family offices, financial institutions, and trust companies. He has guided clients through the intricacies of the Canadian tax system, non-resident trusts, and tax-efficient immigration and emigration strategies. His ability to navigate both Canadian and international tax laws has made him a trusted advisor for clients dealing with complex international transactions and wealth management strategies.

Jonathan’s professional career includes positions with several prestigious firms. He is currently Of Counsel at Moodys Private Client, where he continues to provide high-level tax advisory services. He is also the founder of Dominion Tax Law, a boutique Canadian law firm that has focused its practice exclusively on Canadian income tax law and wills and estates matters for the past 15 years. His previous roles include Special Counsel at Withers Bergman LLP, Principal at Andersen in Canada, and Associate at Baker & McKenzie. In each of these roles, Jonathan has been instrumental in guiding clients through tax litigation, corporate tax structuring, and the resolution of complex tax issues.

Jonathan is a frequent speaker and media commentator on tax-related issues. He has appeared on the Business News Network (BNN) and CBC and has spoken at numerous private banking events both in Canada and internationally. He co-authored the article “Considering Canada: The Wealthy Global Family’s Safe & Surprisingly Tax-Efficient Alternative,” published in the Journal of Wealth Management, which explores the benefits of Canadian tax residency for global high-net-worth families.

His commitment to giving back is reflected in his extensive volunteer work. Jonathan has served as Treasurer of the Tokyo Canadian Club, Treasurer of the Grand Moot, Supervisor at Enterprise Legal Services, and Editor of the University of Toronto Law Review. More recently, he was recognized as Volunteer of the Year by the Alberta Figure Skating Association for his efforts in bringing skating lessons to new Canadians and disadvantaged children in Calgary.

Jonathan’s international experience is further enriched by his multilingual abilities, with native or bilingual proficiency in English, professional working proficiency in French, and limited working proficiency in Japanese. His global outlook, combined with his in-depth understanding of tax law and economics, positions him as a versatile and highly sought-after legal advisor in both domestic and international arenas.

With a reputation for excellence in tax law, Jonathan N. Garbutt continues to be a key figure in Canadian and international tax planning, providing innovative solutions to complex legal and financial challenges. His deep understanding of both the Canadian tax system and global economic structures makes him an invaluable asset to his clients and the legal community at large.

Character:

Jonathan Garbutt is known for his integrity, dedication, and commitment to his clients, consistently delivering high-quality legal solutions. His global experience and volunteer work reflect a strong sense of responsibility and a drive to make a positive impact beyond his professional life.

Knowledge:

With over three decades of expertise in Canadian tax law, international tax planning, and cross-border transactions, Jonathan’s deep understanding of global economic systems sets him apart. His background as both a lawyer and economist allows him to provide well-rounded, insightful advice to high-net-worth individuals and corporations.

Strategic:

Jonathan is a forward-thinking legal strategist, adept at navigating complex international tax structures and corporate transactions to optimize client outcomes. His ability to anticipate challenges and craft innovative solutions has made him a trusted advisor in tax planning and litigation.

Communication:

A skilled communicator, Jonathan regularly speaks at global private banking events and appears on major media outlets like CBC and BNN. His ability to simplify intricate legal and financial concepts ensures clarity and confidence for his clients and audiences alike.