Launch a Legal Counsel and Prosecution Practice in Burnaby Today
This page guides you on starting a legal counsel and prosecution practice in Burnaby under NAICS 922130. It breaks the process into 10 clear requirements, from professional licensure and business registration to office setup and client data security. You’ll find a practical roadmap that highlights the permits you may need in Burnaby and the typical costs to expect as you move from idea to operation. Use this quick-start guide to stay compliant and on track with timelines.
What you’ll learn: the 10 essential requirements, the licenses or approvals needed, and the permits Burnaby may require. You’ll get a transparent look at startup costs—licensing, insurance (including professional liability), office space or virtual setup, technology, and ongoing compliance—plus a realistic timeline from incorporation to opening day. Along the way, we’ll share tips for efficient setup and risk management.
Why Burnaby fits: With its growing business community and easy access to Vancouver’s markets, Burnaby is a smart place to launch a legal counsel and prosecution practice. The city offers supportive resources, local networking, and a steady stream of clients needing trusted legal services. This combination—Burnaby, NAICS 922130—opens doors to sustainable growth.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is a Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a federal identifier from the Canada Revenue Agency that you need to handle taxes, payroll, and other government programs. You cannot legally operate without it, and it is non-negotiable. If you plan to use a trade name, you also must register your BC Business Name (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) to protect that name.
Next come the mandatory operational and compliance requirements. Health and safety come first, so arrange WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration. Then align with labour standards by following Public Service Employment Standards. Keep ethics and privacy in check with Conflict of Interest and Ethics rules and Access to Information and Privacy requirements. Also ensure compliance with the Official Languages Act and overall financial governance to stay on the right side of the rules. Finally, be mindful of broader financial and administrative duties that support lawful operations, including proper recordkeeping and timely financial reporting.
From a business-registration and tax perspective, you’ll need GST/HST Registration and Payroll Deductions Registration, depending on your revenue and whether you employ people. You may also need to observe Financial Administration Act requirements for how you manage government funds and records. In practice, this means setting up the right accounts, remittance schedules, and organized records so you stay compliant and prepared for audits or reviews.
Next steps: start with BN and BC name registration, then set up GST/HST and payroll accounts. Build a simple compliance calendar and consider a quick review with a professional to confirm you’ve covered the big items. With these foundations in place, you’ll have a solid, actionable path to launching your legal counsel and prosecution practice in Burnaby.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a legal counsel and prosecution in Burnaby:
-
Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
-
BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
-
Public Service Employment Standards ConditionalRequired for public service employment. Government organizations must comply with public service employment standards, merit-based hiring, bilingualism requirements, and accountability frameworks. Public Service Employment Act compliance for federal government. Merit-based hiring. Official languages. Staffing processes. Contact PSC: 1-855-330-3310.
-
Financial Administration Act Compliance ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Government organizations must follow financial management rules, procurement policies, contracting standards, and audit requirements. Financial Administration Act compliance for federal contractors. Procurement rules. Payment terms. Audit requirements. Conflict of interest. Contact Treasury Board: 1-877-636-0656.
-
Conflict of Interest and Ethics ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Public officials and government employees must comply with conflict of interest rules, ethics codes, disclosure requirements, and post-employment restrictions. Conflict of Interest Act for federal government appointees and public office holders. Disclosure requirements. Divestment. Post-employment restrictions. Contact Ethics Commissioner: 613-995-0721.
-
Access to Information and Privacy ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Government bodies must comply with access to information requests, privacy protection, records management, and transparency obligations. Access to Information and Privacy Act compliance for federal contractors. Records management. ATIP request handling. Privacy breach procedures. Training requirements. Designated coordinator. Contact Treasury Board: 1-877-636-0656.
-
Official Languages Act Compliance ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Federal government institutions must provide services in English and French, comply with language-of-work rights, and implement bilingual communications. Official Languages Act compliance for federal institutions and contractors. Bilingual services. Language of work. Contact Treasury Board: 1-877-636-0656.
-
GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
-
Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
-
WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
Ready to Launch Your Business?
Starting a business can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone. Our AI-powered business matcher can help you understand exactly what you need for your specific situation.
Try Our AI Business Matcher Get Expert Help
No credit card required • Takes 2 minutes
Browse Other Business Sectors
Explore business requirements in other industries: