Real Estate
Canada Guide 2025 : Ontario
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+1 416 362 2111About
Provided by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
Osler’s Real Estate practice in Ontario is best known for advising on complex commercial real estate acquisitions, dispositions, investments, and syndications and financings in connection with real property of virtually every type (office properties, retail and mixed-use commercial centres, industrial and manufacturing sites, renewable energy installations, pipeline development projects, retirement living facilities, multi-family residential properties, and other hospitality/leisure properties and developments).
The core of Osler’s stand-alone practice involves advising real estate companies and clients with real estate assets critical to their businesses. The team is sought-after by major domestic and foreign-based clients for their business acumen, attention to risk, and ability to provide strategic advice, as evidenced by their role in several of the most complex real estate transactions that have taken place in Canada over the last 10 years.
Chambers Review
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt has a well-established real estate practice in Ontario capable of providing the full spectrum of services to an enviable client base. The group is recognised for its experience of financings and joint venture developments, as well as advising on traditional acquisitions and dispositions. It often acts for REITs and clients from the retail and senior housing sectors. The team is also well placed to provide related tax and environmental law advice, as well as handling the real estate aspects of significant insolvencies. The firm demonstrates the growing ability to service clients seeking land use planning and municipal advice.
Work Highlights
- Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt advised Chartwell Retirement Residences on the sale of a number of care homes.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt are very strongly responsive while providing very strong service."
"The firm provides excellent, timely and insightful advice that is as commercially friendly as practicable."
"The lawyers are quick to respond and accessible."
"The team is excellent at navigating challenging matters, always finding a way through."
"Osler regularly handles complex and sophisticated matters and has experts in all areas of law who work together collaboratively to support the client."
"Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt are very strongly responsive while providing very strong service."
"The firm provides excellent, timely and insightful advice that is as commercially friendly as practicable."
"The lawyers are quick to respond and accessible."
"The team is excellent at navigating challenging matters, always finding a way through."
"Osler regularly handles complex and sophisticated matters and has experts in all areas of law who work together collaboratively to support the client."
Notable Practitioners
Chris Barnett regularly handles municipal law matters, advising public and private entities on obtaining planning and development approvals. He also possesses notable experience representing clients before the OLT and other tribunals, as well as appearing before municipal councils and the courts.
"Chris Barnett is someone with a significant amount of experience who is able to provide quality advice and strategic advice."
"I really enjoy working with Chris Barnett."
"Chris Barnett is a pleasure to work with and is always top of my mind when we need to retain outside counsel."
"He is top-notch and he gives great advice."
Rod Davidge is especially prominent in real estate financings, where he often acts for lenders. His practice also includes expertise in property purchases and sales.
"Rod Davidge has a very broad degree of expertise, he's able to go deep on issues when needed, he is straightforward and easy to understand."
"Rod Davidge is an extremely knowledgeable lawyer who handles complicated transactions with skill and precision."
"He is consistently able to simplify complex situations and works very efficiently to manage our tight deadlines."
"We strongly appreciate his timely feedback and advice."
"Rod Davidge demonstrates a deep understanding of our business and the complexities involved in our real estate transactions."
Paul Morassutti is head of the firm's commercial real estate group. His practice spans the negotiation of leasing and master service agreements, as well as sales and acquisitions involving industrial and retail premises.
"Paul Morassutti is knowledgeable, solution-oriented and business-oriented."
"Paul Morassutti understands our needs as a client and is responsive. He provides sound advice and solutions for consideration."
Ryan Nielsen is developing a solid reputation for his able handling of commercial real estate transactions and financing mandates. Nielsen's clients include REITs and other investors.
"Quite simply, he is excellent counsel and provides advice that is highly valued by me and my team."
Savvas Kotsopoulos is a well-regarded commercial real estate lawyer, based out of Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt's Toronto office. He handles an array of residential, retail and industrial property transactions for a number of investors.
"Savvas Kotsopoulos is truly a trusted adviser. He and his team understand our commercial objectives and appetite for risk."
"I would say that one of his strengths is that he is proactive and often goes above and beyond what we ask for in cases."
"He has an incredible work ethic, is very responsive, very smart and experienced and is a really good person - genuine, nice to work with and friendly."
"The things that stand out the most are his legal acumen, work ethic and his relationship management with clients."
Ranked Lawyers at
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
Ontario
Members
Provided by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP